How to Prevent Drowning from Happening?

Water is fun for everyone, but it can also be deadly. Consider these water safety tips for pools, natural bodies of water and even in your own home. Water is sparkly and things float in it. It’s also fun to splash. But water safety is no laughing matter. So how can we prevent drowning from happening? Here are some tips from My Pool Guy to keep you safe while having fun.

Water safety tips:

Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Parents and child care providers should know CPR.

Supervise  

We should never leave children unsupervised near a pool, natural bodies of water or even in a hot tub.

Teach children to swim 

It is very important that at a young age that we teach our children how to swim to keep them safe from drowning. But even if they know how to swim it is still best to supervise them. Children under age 4 should be supervised at arm’s length, even if they can swim.

Pools at home

Install a fence

If you can install a fence it’s better to do so. Install a fence at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall that separates the pool area from the house and yard. It shouldn’t block the view of the pool from outside the fenced area. Make sure your children can’t easily climb the fence.

Keep emergency equipment handy

Equipment like a life ring with rope, reaching pole and always have a phone in the pool area in case of an emergency.

Natural bodies of water and public pools

Wear a life jacket

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Children and adults should wear any flotation device while in pools and in any bodies of water.

Stay in designated areas

Pools or any bodies of water have warning signs wherein we cannot go or can only go. So it’s better to follow some rules. Pay attention to posted warnings about unsafe swimming conditions. Don’t allow children to swim in water-filled areas not intended for swimming.

Check it first

Check the water depth and look for underwater hazards.

At home ( toilets, bathtubs, buckets, etc)

A baby can drown in just 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of water. A curious toddler can fall into a toilet, bucket or fish tank. Consider these guidelines:

Keep the bathroom door closed.

Always keep the door closed as easy as that. If you can, install a safety latch or doorknob cover on the outside of the door.
Supervise bath time. Never leave a child alone in the bathtub, make sure to always supervise them every time.
Store and empty buckets and other containers immediately after use.

Always have a person designated to watch young children while in swimming or even during a bath.

Be close enough to reach a child at all times. Adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity while supervising children. Formal swimming lessons can protect children from drowning. But are not a reason to avoid constant supervision around the water. Always remember fun is fun when we are always safe!

Staying safe in the water is a community effort.

Share this post with friends and family to help them educate themselves about how to stay safe.