D o not leave your child alone in the tub.

                    R emove stairs from above ground pools.

                    O ver age 3 - learn swimming skills

                    W ear life jackets.

                    N ever leave a child unsupervised.

                     I nstall a four-sided pool fence around your pool.

                    N ever assume someone's watching your child.

                    G o to a CPR class today.

The Facts

Each year, nearly 1,000 children ages 14 and under drown.  Another 16,000 are rushed to hospitals for near drownings.  Children ages 4 and under are at the greatest risk-they can drown in as little as one inch of water. 

Most of these drownings happen at home or in residential pools.  Children also frequently drown in open water, in bathtubs, buckets, wading pools and even drainage ditches and canals.  Drownings and near drownings usually happen when a child is left alone, even for a moment.

Drowning is called the "silent killer."  You might not hear a cry for help or the sound of a splash to alert you that your child is in trouble.

Because drownings happen so fast, protect your child by following these safety tips from the National SAFE KIDS Campaign:

At Home

• Never leave your young child alone in or around water, including bathtubs, sinks and toilets.  If you must leave the room, take your child with you.

• Do not rely on a bath support ring to keep you baby safe in the tub without adult supervision.

• Empty all buckets and similar containers immediately after use and store out of your child's reach.

• Use toilet locks.

In Pools

• Never leave your child alone in or near a swimming pool, hot tub or wading pool - even for a moment.

• Enclose your pool or spa with four - sided fencing at least five feet high, with self - closing and self - latching gates.  Do not use your house as one of the four sides.

• Empty and turn over wading pools immediately after use.

• Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers by your pool. (911)

• Use door alarms, pool alarms and automatic pool covers for extra protection.

• Teach your child to swim, but never rely solely on swimming lessons to protect him from drowning.

• Teach your child never to run, push or jump on others around water.

In Open Water

• Never allow young children to swim alone.  Make sure older children always swim with a buddy or an adult.

• Make sure your children swim in designated areas in oceans, lakes and rivers.  Look for clear water with little or no current and check the depth of the water before swimming or diving.

• Be sure your child wears a life jacket when on a boat or near water and that it fits correctly.  Air - filled swimming aids, such as "water wings", are not safe substitutes for life jackets.

• Never rely solely on a life jacket or swimming lessons to protect your child.

 

Designated Child Watcher Program

It's Summer Time - Article by DC/P Bill Walker RN

 

www.safekids.org