KEEPING KIDS SAFE AROUND WATER

Designate a “water

watcher.” This person should not be reading or texting. They should never take their eyes off the children. Adults should take turns and have a designated person watching at all times. Make sure children

learn to swim. Go to usaswimmingfoundation. org and type in your ZIP code to find free and lowcost swim lessons close to you. If you are an adult and don’t know how to swim, remember it’s never too late to learn this lifesaving skill. Even if your child can swim, vigilance is

needed. A child can slip and fall, get tired or play a dangerous water game such as “hold your breath.” Air-filled or foam toys are

not safety devices. Don’t use water wings, noodles or inner tubes instead of life jackets. These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe. Drowning can happen

quickly and quietly. You might expect a drowning person to splash or yell for help. Sometimes, people

quietly slip beneath the water. Use designated swimming and recreational areas whenever possible. Professionals have assessed the area, and there are usually signs posted regarding hazards and lifeguard schedules. Use a U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jacket in and around open

water. Get a life jacket (also called a personal floatation device or PFD) that is appropriate for a child’s weight and the water activity.

Learn CPR. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills can save a life. Avoid the “everyone is watching, no one is watching” scenario. Family and friends gather at a backyard barbecue and pool party. Adults assume everyone is watching the kids, but no one is watching. SOURCES: SAFE KIDS WORLDWIDE AND NATIONWIDE’S MAKE SAFE HAPPEN, USA SWIMMING FOUNDATION AND AMERICAN RED CROSS