July Issue 105
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Summer is a
great time to cool off in pools, lakes, ponds and beaches, but water can also
be dangerous for kids if parents do not take the proper precautions. Kids need
constant supervision around water to prevent drowning. Young children are
especially at risk because they can drown in less than 2 inches of water, and
drowning could happen where you least expect it. Don’t assume that a child that
knows how to swim isn’t at risk of drowning. All children need to be closely
supervised, no matter what their swimming skills. All infants, toddlers and
weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer within arm’s reach to provide “touch
supervision”.
1. STAY CLOSE TO YOUR CHILD and always
be attentive to what they are doing. Never leave a child unattended while
around the pool or other water.
2. TEACH YOUR CHILD WATER SAFETY
SKILLS, including staying away from pool drains, spa drains, pipes and any
other openings that may entrap them.
3. LEARN HOW TO SWIM and make sure your
child is taught how to swim and is comfortable in the water. Swimming lessons
are invaluable to a child.
4. CONSIDER HAVING INEXPERIENCED
SWIMMERS WEAR A LIFE JACKET EVEN IN A POOL. Do not consider swimming toys to be
lifesaving equipment.
5. HAVE APPROPRIATE FENCING AROUND THE
POOL to ensure that children do not wander into the pool area unattended.
Consider pool alarms to warn of a child unintendedly entering the pool.
6. CONSIDER LEARNING CPR and understand
basic life-saving skills so that you can help in an emergency.
7. BE WARY OF UNDER-TOWS AT THE BEACH
and do not allow a child to play in water that may pose a danger.
8. ALWAYS JUMP FEET FIRST INTO WATER
that is not clear since you do not know what is under the surface of the water
Tips for
kids about water safety:
● Always swim with adult supervision.
● Swim with a buddy.
● Don’t run around the pool area; walk
slowly.
● Don’t push or jump on others, you
could injure someone or yourself.
● Don’t chew gum or eat while you swim
- you could choke.
● Toys are fun and help you float, but
they cannot save lives.
● If you are just learning to swim,
wear a life jacket that fits snuggly and stay in the shallow end.
Resource of
the month: Check out the Strathmore Aquatic Centre for swimming lessons taught
by qualified instructors, and family swim times for the summer! Also visit the
splash park, located at Kinsmen Park, for another great way to cool off during
the summer.
Visit our
website for community resources: www.5forlifeforever.com
Sources:
Serpefirm Being Safe in the Sun Newsletter http://www.serpefirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Being-Safe-in-the-Sun-Law-Offices-of-Richard-J.-Serpe.pdf
Kids Health
Water Safety http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/water-safety.html
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