Water Safety and Drowning Prevention
Whether you’re bathing your baby in the bathtub, splashing in a swimming pool, or spending a day at the lake, water is great fun for kids. But the risks of drowning also mean it’s a place where safety must come first. Here are some facts about childhood drowning in Kansas and important prevention tips to keep your kids safe in and around water.
Pool and Hot Tub Drains
Teach your children about the dangers of drain entanglement and entrapment and teach them to never play or swim near drains or suction outlets.
Check pool and hot tub drains to ensure they have anti-entrapment drain covers and know where the pump switch is and how to turn it off. Consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS)—a device that will automatically shut off a pump if a blockage is detected—or any other automatic shut-off systems in your own pool or spa.
For more information and resources, visit: http://www.poolsafely.gov/
Lifeguards are not enough!
One in five parents believes that when lifeguards are present, the lifeguard is the main person responsible for watching the children in the water and ensuring their safety. But, the typical lifeguard-to-swimmer ratio at public swimming areas may be as high as 25 swimmers per lifeguard. So, keep an eye on your kids. Parents should always actively supervise their children in and around water.
Water Watcher
We all know, when everyone is watching the kids, no one is watching the kids. But kids need constant supervision when they are in or near water – no exceptions. When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use the Water Watcher card strategy, which designates an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision. Download a Water Watcher card here.