- Drowning is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. for children 1-4 years old (leading cause is birth defects).
- Toddlers and teenaged boys are at greatest risk.
- Three essential layers of protection against drowning: swim skills, adult supervision, enclosures around pools.
- Learning to swim is important but even advanced swimming skills cannot ‘drown-proof’ a child or adult.
- Swim lessons are recommended for all children, but the age at which they are started should be based on “how often your child may be around water, your child’s emotional maturity, physical and developmental abilities and limitations, interest in learning to swim, and how comfortable he or she is in the water.” (HealthyChildren.org)
- Whether AROUND OR IN the bathtub, a portable kiddie pool, an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool, a lake, the ocean, or the beloved rivah, children should ALWAYS be supervised by an adult.
- We encourage every parent to learn and know how to perform CPR.
- Pools should be surrounded by a fence on all sides; this is safest and the law. Fences should be at least 4 feet tall, hard to climb (i.e. not chain length), and include a self-closing/self-latching gate that can be locked.
- Above-ground pools are considered ‘portable’ and there is a loophole in the law exempting them from the fencing requirement. Be aware of this if a friend or family member you visit has an above-ground pool.
- The soft sides of above ground pools make it easier for children to lean over and fall head first into the water.
- All children should wear a life jacket when riding in a boat. Small children and non-swimmers should also wear one at water’s edge, such as on a river bank or pier.
- Do not use air-filled swimming aids (such as inflatable arm bands) in place of life jackets. They can deflate and are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
- Parents should know the depth of the water and any underwater hazards before allowing children to jump in. The first time you enter the water, jump feet first; don’t dive.
- When choosing an open body of water for children to swim in, select a site with lifeguards. Swimmers should know what to do in case of rip currents (swim parallel to the shore until out of the current, then swim back to the shore).
- Counsel teenagers about the increased risk of drowning when alcohol is involved.