Keeping Their Heads Above Water: Safety Tips for Summer
As we head into the serious summer months in Arizona, water safety becomes top of mind for first responders and parents alike.
Already in 2022, Maricopa and Pinal Counties have had 20 water related incidents resulting in 9 deaths, with 2 of them being children ages 0-5. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the highest drowning rates occur within the age group of 1-4., so there is no denying that when it comes to water safety, children are most at risk.
So, what should you do to keep your children safe? When it comes to water safety, there are few simple action items:
No Child Left Alone: Children should not be left unattended around any water, including bathtubs, buckets, toilets, ponds, canals, etc.Even just a little water can be deadly.Assign a responsible adult to be a “water watcher” to keep an eye on the pool (or bodies of water) and the kids in it.
Install an Approved Barrier: You can find the specific regulations required by Arizona law for pools here, and they include rules about latches, fencing, and covers. Abiding by these regulations and following them precisely can make a big difference when it comes to safety.
Just Keep Swimming: Make sure that everyone in your household knows how to swim. Even babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can learn lifesaving techniques if properly taught. The City of Scottsdale, and the YMCA are among the many places to receive water safety and swim training at nearly every age.
Keep It All Clear: Keep pool decks, boat decks, and all areas surrounding water free of toys, and other tripping hazards. Toys can also be an enticement for small children, so don’t give them any reason to come too close without supervision.
Use Your Eyes: The fact is, a drowning child doesn’t make any noise. They will generally slip under the water without calling for help or flailing. Prevent a terrible accident by keeping your eyes on them at all times.
Learn CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): It’s never too late or too early to learn the lifesaving technique of CPR. There are various programs that you can take advantage of at The Red Cross as well as the City of Scottsdale. Being prepared is smart, and CPR can be useful in a variety of scenarios.
A Word on Gear:
Floaties: It’s easy to believe that the inflatable tubes around your preschooler’s arms will help protect them from drowning, but all they really do is provide a false sense of security. Children can get themselves into the deep end of a pool relying on water wings, rafts, noodles, and other floaties, but if they lose the device they could be in trouble.
Life Jackets:
I will wear it on a dock,
I will wear it on beach rocks,
I will wear it on a boat,
I won’t put it on a goat: When near bodies of water like lakes, ponds, rivers, and oceans, your child should be outfitted with a life jacket. It’s a safety precaution that is simple, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Committing to these action items can be the difference between a happy, healthy summer and one that ends in tragedy. Stay alert and develop a water safety plan now.