How to help reduce the risk of drowning
Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4, but through water safety education we can help to prevent drownings. Some of the most important parts of water safety are:
- Never swim alone: Always make sure that children have an adult at the pool with them supervising. If there is more than one adult, the adults should decide who the water watcher should be, this person is then responsible for watching all children in the pool and making sure they are following pool rules.
- Look before you jump or dive: If there’s anything that’s in the way; a person, a pool toy, it’s too shallow, a rock if you’re at a beach or river, if there’s a flag up at the beach indicating a strong current: DO NOT GO. Make sure children know what to look for before jumping or diving into the water with an adult there.
- Help but do not jump in: If you see someone struggling in the water THROW DON’T GO. Look for any type of flotation device such as a noodle.
- Wear a life jacket: If you are ever far from shore, in deep water, or on a boat you should wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone knows how to put on a life jacket, when it is safe to take it off, and who can assist children with life jackets. Children should put lifejackets on before going on the dock and not remove until off the dock, back on land. A wave or boat can cause an accident even on the dock.
- Get the wall: If you fall in the pool, grab the wall, and use it to get to safety. Make sure children know to grab the wall or anything that floats.
Together we can make a difference in childhood drownings by teaching water safety. Email watersafety@watermelonswim.com to schedule a FREE Water Safety presentation for children at any local childcare center, preschool, homeschool group, K-2nd grade, etc.
Dedicated to growing safer swimmers at Watermelon Swim!
