As the temperature heats up and families spend more time around water – trips to the beach, lake or community pool or just the pool at home – it’s time to think about kids and water safety. Parents usually stay diligent about supervised swimming for kids, but even the bathtub or a small “kiddie pool” can pose a drowning danger.
Drowning is the No. 1 cause of injury-related death among children 1 to 4 years old, and children younger than 1 year are more likely to drown at home in the bathtub or a bucket. Knowing those statistics, here are some important water safety tips for kids that could save their lives.
- Without distractions, pay close attention to kids when they are in or around water. Young children can drown in as little as 1 inch of water, so always keep them within an arm’s reach of an adult.
- Never leave water in tubs, buckets or kids’ pools. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
- Keep toilet lids and doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed when you are not in the room.
- Always supervise bath time for young children without distraction.
- Install fences around home pools that surround all sides and are at least 4 feet tall. All latches and gates should be child-proof.
- Keep emergency equipment, such as life jackets and rescue floats, within quick reach in case they are needed.
- Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills. You should know how to respond in an emergency without putting yourself at risk.
- If your children are old enough to learn, get them swimming lessons. Being able to swim is not a guarantee against drowning, but it does add a measure of safety.
Pediatric Partners has three locations to better serve our patients. The Evans office is at 411 Town Park Blvd.; the downtown Augusta office is at 1303 D’Antignac St., Suite 2600; and the new Grovetown office is at 5135 Wrightsboro Road. For more information about Pediatric Partners, call the office at 706-854-2500, visit PedPartners.com, or follow the Pediatric Partners of Augusta Facebook page.
