The most important thing to remember when it comes to water safety is
that children need constant supervision around water - whether the water
is in a bathtub, a wading pool, an ornamental fish pond, a swimming pool,
a spa, the beach, or a lake. Young children are especially vulnerable - they
can drown in less than 2 inches of water. That means drowning can happen
where you'd least expect it - the sink, the toilet bowl, fountains, buckets,
inflatable pools, or small bodies of standing water around your home, such
as ditches filled with rain water. Always watch children closely when they're
in or near any water.
Learn to swim, and if your child is older than 4 years, have him or
her learn to swim, too (check the local recreation center or YMCA for classes
taught by qualified instructors). Don't assume, however, that just because
your child knows how to swim, he won't drown. You should always supervise
your children while they are in the water, no matter what their swimming
skill levels.
Invest in proper-fitting, Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (life
vests) and use them whenever a child is near water. Check the weight and
size recommendations on the label, then have your child try it on to make
sure it fits snugly. For children younger than 5, choose a vest with a strap
between the legs and head support - the collar will keep the child's head
up and his face out of the water. Inflatable vests and arm devices such as
water wings are not effective against drowning.
Awareness can go a long way in preventing accidents outside of the home,
too. Find out where the water hazards in your neighborhood are. Who has a
pool or water spa? Where are the retaining ponds or creeks that may attract
children? Make neighbors who have pools aware that you have a young child
and ask them to keep their gates locked.
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