Living in Florida lends itself to many things. Perhaps the greatest lure is the water. Whether you are in the Atlantic Ocean or a neighborhood pool, even a bucket of water can mean danger. According to Safe Kids, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between one and four years old. It’s the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children 19 and under, but there are many things you can do to protect you and your little ones.
Here are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk of drowning:
Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Young children can drown in as little as one inch of water, so it’s important to keep them within an arm’s reach of an adult.
Empty tubs, buckets, containers and kids’ pools immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
Close lids and doors. Keep toilet lids and doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed when not in use.
Install fences around home pools. A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.
Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills. It is important to know how to respond in an emergency without putting yourself at risk.
When it comes to providing a safe water environment these three rules make the most sense.
How to Keep Kids Safe Around Home Pools
Swim with a partner. Keep young children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time.
Install fences around home pools. A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.
Teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll children in swimming lessons when they are ready.
Consider their age, development and how often they are around water.
Make sure kids learn water survival skills.
You can teach hese five simple steps every time you have young children by the water.
Children should be able to do these five things:
Step or jump into water over heir head and return to the surface.
Turn around in the water and orient to safety.
Float or tread water.
Combine breathing with forward movement in the water.
Exit the water.
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