May is Water Safety Month

Death and injury from accidental drowning happen every day in pools or bodies of water.

In fact, according to nonprofit organization, Stop Drowning Now, there are approximately 10 recorded cases of people drowning every day; 3,400 drownings every year. They also cite the #1 leading cause of death in children from ages 1 to 4 is accidental drownings. 

And, drowning can happen anywhere — and not always where people would expect.  We're saddened, but not surprised if we hear cases of drowning in pools, lakes or other large bodies of water, but many would be shocked and surprised to hear that many toddler accidents happen in bathrooms in the bathtub, sink, and even toilets. There have even been reports of drowning in unattended buckets and puddles.

The key to preventing these heartbreaking circumstances is knowledge and education. 

Here are our top 8 tips to keep you and your family safe this summer: 

1. Always supervise. Never leave children unsupervised near any amount of water for even 10 seconds. It only takes a minuscule amount of water and a matter of seconds for a person (a child) to breathe in enough water to drown. 
    
2. Don't rely on other people or products. Water wings and pool toys are not safety floating devices and could easily fail. Counting on someone else to keep their eye on your child in a busy water space could prove fatal if they have to look away for even a few moments. Always be within an arm's reach of young or inexperienced swimmers.
    
3. Learn CPR. The American Red Cross, as well as local fire departments and hospitals often provide free training. And, knowing age-appropriate CPR tactics could be the difference between life and death minutes following a water tragedy. 
    
4. Fence in pool areas and add alarms. Different communities may have different building codes, but in general, fencing should be at least 4' high (6' recommend); and should separate the pool area from the home and yard.
   
   It should include a self-closing and self-latching gate opening away from the pool. We also recommend an alarm system that alerts you when someone enters the pool.
    
5. Avoid alcohol and drugs around water. Avoid any level of potential impairment around water or while watching children around water. 
    
6. Stay in designated areas. Swim Only Areas at public or private beaches are set that way for a reason — unseen hazards such as undertows or other unsafe conditions. 
    

Keep bathroom doors closed. Young kids are drawn to water - so keep temptation out of their reach; sinks, bathtubs, even toilets.    

For more information on ways you can help keep your family safe this season (and all year long) visit StopDrowningNow.org