Water Safety Tips for Kids

According to Safe Kids Worldwide and the Children’s National Hospital, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death in children ages 1-4 years, and infants under one year are more likely to drown in a bathtub or bucket at home.

These statistics sound scary, but there are ways you can help your child stay safe in the water – this summer and throughout the year.

Stay attentive and close to your child in the water

Even if your kid can swim, it’s important to stay within arm’s reach and watch them near water. Stay attentive, even if other kids and parents are around. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that “parents should never—even for a moment—leave children alone near open bodies of water, such as lakes or swimming pools, nor near water in homes (bathtubs, spas).”

Recognize the signs of drowning

We’ve all seen a movie or TV show where a drowning person splashes around and calls for help. But the truth is that a drowning person is more likely to quietly slip underwater in just a few seconds. Because children can drown in less than two inches of water, keep an eye on your child around potential drowning hazards like mop buckets, ornamental ponds, water-filled ditches, and toilets.

Consider swimming lessons

Even though being able to swim doesn’t remove the risk of drowning, it does teach valuable skills. Look for a swimming class that teaches your additional child water safety skills like identifying risks and what to do if they fall into water.

Don’t rely on water safety devices alone

It’s important to ensure your child wears safety items like properly-fitting US Coast Guard-approved life jackets. However, devices such as inflatable pool toys and water wings are not drown-proof. They can become slippery or deflate, putting your child at risk. When your child is using them, ensure you’re still supervising.

Child-proof the family swimming pool

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, pool fences should:

• Stand at least four feet high with no foot or handrails for children to climb on.

• Have slats fewer than four inches apart so a child can’t get through, or if chain link, should have no opening larger than 1¾ inches.

• Have self-closing and self-latching gates, which are out of your child’s reach.

Your child shouldn’t be able to accidentally get into your swimming pool, or get in without your assistance and supervision. Make sure your pool is covered and properly fenced.

Learn emergency skills

Because drowning can happen quickly, parents should learn how to swim and rescue a child from the water. It’s also advisable to learn CPR skills. Have emergency equipment on-hand at a home swimming pool as well.

In addition, ensure that any caregivers of your child have emergency skills as well. For example, at MyPlace our staff members are certified in first aid and CPR.