Parent InformationGet the important information parents need.
How to Be Safer in and Around the Water
Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States and the second leading cause of death for children 1 to 14 years old.
Children from non-swimming households are eight times more likely to be at risk of drowning. Among children ages 1 to 4, most drownings occur in residential swimming pools. Most young children who drown in pools were last seen in the home, had been out of sight less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time.
*Statistics taken from CDC.GOV website
Let’s Reduce the Risk! What can we do to help keep our loved ones safe?
Enroll your child in swim lessons today. It’s never too early or too late to invest in the safety of your children. If you don’t know how to swim, then enroll in lessons as well! You cannot help in an emergency if you cannot swim!
“Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88 percent among young children aged 1 to 4 years.”-Center for Disease Control
Remove all toys from within the pool gate or around the pool. A child’s favorite toy is a dangerous lure to the pool side.
Children should never be left unattended near a pool or left in the care of another child. Even if children are able to swim or are wearing a life jacket, an experienced adult swimmer should be within arm’s reach. Supervising adults should not be involved in distracting activities such as phone calls, reading, drinking alcoholic beverages, or leaving the pool side at any time. Designate a “water watcher.” Never assume someone else is watching unless you have designated that person. Drowning can happen very quickly and quietly.
In the event of a water-related emergency, administering CPR can greatly improve the outcome of the victim’s health. Sea Otter offers CPR and First Aid certification, taught by Emergency Medical Services trained instructors. Sign up for a class today!
Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or water skiing. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children.
Always swim with a buddy. Select swimming sites that have lifeguards whenever possible. Teach your children to never swim alone. Make a family pact to never swim alone.
Four-sided fencing that completely separates the pool from the house and yard should be installed around pools. Fencing should be at least four feet high and have self-latching gates that open outward with latches that little ones can’t reach.