In the spirit of summer fun, we want to remind you about the importance of pool and water safety. A moment of negligence can lead to tragic consequences. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children aged 1 to 4 years. It can happen to anyone, but the risk is higher for children.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance provides 5 layers of protection to help save lives.
- Barriers and Alarms – It’s important to use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool safety covers, and alarm systems, to help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised.
- Supervision – Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings with close, constant, and capable adult supervision from a designated water watcher or lifeguard anytime children are in or around water.
- Water Competency – Every child and adult should be equipped with the skills to protect themselves in water by learning and enhancing their basic water safety skills to reduce the risk of drowning and aquatic-related injuries.
- Life Jackets – When used appropriately, life jackets protect you when you are not expecting to be in the water, especially around open water. Ensure your life jackets are tested & approved by the USCG.
- Emergency Preparation – Knowing how to prepare for an emergency with CPR training with rescue breaths and basic water rescue skills can make the difference between life and death. Have a phone available and ready to call 911.
Together, let’s make pool and water safety a top priority. Spread the word and help create a summer filled with joy and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your time by the water.
If you are looking for additional information about water safety, please visit the National Downing Prevention Alliance at https://ndpa.org/
###