Splashing and taking a dip in a swimming pool is a sure way to have fun and cool off. But it’s important to make safety the number one priority to protect our children in and around the water. Drowning is the leading cause of death among young children between the ages of 1 and 4. For every child under the age of 15 who dies from drowning in a pool, another 10 receive emergency care for nonfatal drowning injuries. Brain damage and long-term disabilities, including memory problems, learning disabilities and permanent loss of basic functions can occur as a result of nonfatal drowning. This can be scary, but the good news is that drowning can be prevented. Here are a few drowning prevention tips provided by The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.

Tip #1

All children over the age of 5 should have swimming lessons. This can significantly reduce the risk of drowning among young children, who are at the greatest risk of drowning.

Tip #2

When infants and young children are in the bathtub or around bodies of water, constant supervision should be provided. Never leave a child alone even for a second. This is probably the number one way to keep your child safe and prevent the event of drowning from occurring. This is why it is highly important to never leave your young child unattended in or around the pool.

Tip #3

Fencing should be installed to separate homes from residential pools. This can significantly reduce the risk of drowning by preventing easy access to the pool area when a child cannot be supervised.

Tip #4

If a suction outlet fitting is missing, broken or loose, do not allow the use of a pool. Your body or hair may be trapped and cause injury or even drowning.

Tip #5

Do not let a child play with toys, particularly tricycles or wheel toys around the pool area. A child can accidentally fall into the water while playing with these.

Tip #6

When riding on a boat or playing near a river, lake or ocean, personal flotation devices should be used. Properly fitted personal flotation devices, such as life jackets, can greatly benefit you and your child and prevent a possible drowning.

Tip #7

Teach children to never swim alone or without supervision. This is extremely important and can significantly reduce the risk drowning.

Tip #8

Make sure adults and teens that are providing supervision learn and know cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the case an accident might occur. This can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death caused from drowning. Starting CPR immediately can save a life, if emergency personnel are not able to arrive on the scene quick enough.

For more information, read our previous article Child Safety.