Water Safety

Sadly, drowning continues to be a leading cause of death. Children ages 1 to 4 years old are a highest risk.  Water safety includes pools, lakes, oceans and in the home.  Ways to promote water safety include adult supervision, swim lessons, pool safety (fencing and alarms), and identifying potential water hazards in the bathroom, laundry room, etc.

Babies can drown within seconds in as little as 1 to 2 inches of water.  

There are several water hazards in and around the home to include: the bathtub, the toilet, a bucket of water, kiddie wading pools, and coolers with melted ice. Keep infants and children safe around these potentially dangerous water areas.

Always provide CONSTANT, CAPABLE,  and CLOSE adult supervision of infants and children when they are in or around water.   Never leave a child alone or in the care of another young child or inappropriate adult when they are near or in water.  Learn CPR and rescue breathing as well.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends swim lessons, starting at one year old, as an additional protection measure against drowning.  By 4 years old, most children are ready to take swimming lessons.  Swim lessons do not replace appropriate supervision by an adult.

                                           Water Safety is everyone's responsibility!