Water Safety year-round is important. Drowning is the leading cause of preventable death for children 1 to 4 years old. One in five people who die from drowning are children 14 or younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five need emergency care for non-fatal water injuries.*
Drowning accidents are preventable. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Pool Safely Campaign want to change the way families think and act about water safety. Here are some of their top winter water safety tips:
Supervise!
We can’t say it enough… supervision is the key. Never turn your back on your child around water. It takes just seconds for a child to be in serious trouble. Always know which adult is responsible for watching the child and be aware of the unique distractions during winter months.
Hot Tubs
Install and use a lockable safety cover on your hot tub. Supervision must be one adult per child due to the high temperatures and turbulence of the water in a hot tub. When very young children are in the hot tub, keep the temperature below 90 degrees Fahrenheit and limit exposure to less than ten minutes.
Swimming Lessons
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states, “lessons may actually reduce the risk in drowning for children as young as 1 to 4 years old.” Infant Swimming Resource goes beyond traditional swimming instruction, by teaching children aquatic survival skills designed to help them survive should they reach the water alone.
Holiday Decorations
Decorations and lights can pose problems with young children around the house and water. Keep lights and electrical cords away from water. Make sure outside decorations do not create climbing hazards.
Home Water Safety
Keep gates closed, doors locked, close toilet seats, empty buckets, etc. Visiting family, holiday parties and celebrations can lead to breakdowns in routine supervision and effective barriers to the water. If a child is missing, look for the child in the pool or spa first.
Travel
When visiting homes with pools, educate others on children and water safety. Confirm that swimming pools are maintained. Clean pools with clear water (even if it is too cold to swim) is safer. If a child falls in they can be seen and helped faster. Pool covers must be cleared of rain water and debris. Ensure any pool or spa you or your child uses has compliant drain covers. Ask a pool service provider if you do not know.
Merdes Law Office wants everyone to enjoy the best possible holiday season. Practicing water safety year-round helps keep children of all ages safer this holiday and for the many to come.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for over 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
