Here we go with another #FridayFireSafetyTip here in the Ville. This week, as we get closer to Memorial Day weekend, we thought it would be a perfect time to discuss swimming safety. Throughout our community, local neighborhood pools began opening as early as last week and with the increasing warmer days, our local lakes are very inviting for swimmers.
Partnering with Safe Kids Worldwide and the American Red Cross, we offer the following safety information, tips and educational advice!
First, Some Scary Facts…
- Among preventable injuries, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 – 4 years old.
- Children 1 – 4 years old are more likely to drown in a pool.
- Children 5 years and older are more likely to drown in natural water, such as ponds, lakes and rivers.
- The risk of drowning in open water increases with age: The average 10-year-old, for example, is three times more likely to drown in open water than in a pool.
Child Swimming Safety Tips…
- Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted.
- Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time.
- Teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development and how often they are around water when deciding if they are ready for swim lessons.
- Make sure kids learn these five water survival skills and that they are able to:
- step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface;
- float or tread water for one minute;
- turn around in a full circle and find an exit;
- swim 25 yards to exit the water; and
- exit the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder
- Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
- Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a child’s life.
Water Safety Tips (courtesy of Safe Kids Worldwide)
Adult Swimming Safety Tips…
- Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
- Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.
- Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
- Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
- Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.
- Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
- Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
#FridayFireSafetyTip #SwimmingSafety #OneTownOneTeam
