The horrifying tragedy behind drowning is that it is preventable, but more importantly, it isn’t just the pool or beach that can cause havoc it is other things around our home that are apart of our everyday activities such as the toilet, moping bucket, baths, dog bowls and much more! Anything that can cover the nose and mouth of an infant is considered a danger to drowning.
“ Children can drown in very small amounts of water! Water that is deep enough to cover their nose and mouth is enough for small children to drown in” – Nataly Tormey
So let’s start this awareness process at the beginning on how can we prevent this tragedy’s in our home but let’s also think about when we are going on that long-awaited relaxing family holiday.
Prevention at home
During bath time it is essential for the child to have 100% adult supervision. The use of bathing tools such as bath seats does not suffice for supervision. Each moment your child is their bath they require an adult with them.
Some tips during bath time are;
- Prepare for bath time. Ensure that you have clothing, towels, and anything requires after bath time ready before the bath is full. This will reduce the risk of you having to leave the room.
- Ensure that the bath is not too full and that soaps and lotions that are slippery are not used.
- Using grips at the bottom of the bath will help create friction
- Once the bath is complete, empty the bath promptly and restricting access to wet areas without adult supervision
When it comes to having a pool at home there are multiple considerations to take into account. This being fencing, gates, environment, ability to supervise, chemicals and electricity.
Have you considered all the other areas in your home that can prove to be a drowning risk to your child? Some other areas to think about are;
- Inflatable Pools
- Water Tanks
- Irrigation Channels
- Pet Bowls
- Water features
As the statistics have shown it’s our little ones from the ages of 0-4 at highest risk! At these ages, they are very inquisitive and will explore areas that aren’t to be explored. The process of exploring leads children into unsafe zones and they are unable to detect as dangerous. Taking measures to prevent these incidences is very important however keep mind that supervision is always essential.
Prevention on Holidays
Before you go on your adventure
Your children are going to love exploring the water while you are away, whether you are basking in the sun at the beach and the children are diving for treasures in the ocean or they are slipping and sliding at the water park. So before you go it might be a great opportunity to get your children prepared and start thinking about some swim lessons. Swim lessons are available in your community by a swim school provider. When you register your child be sure to advise them of your needs and your time frame before you jet set and go so they can work with you to ensure your child has some of the basic survival needs.
When your out and about
It is important to be aware that regulations of safety around water is very different from one country to another and that goes the same for natural water conditions at a beach or a swimming hole. Before you dive in head first do your research with the locals and ask them about the conditions of the water and ensure they are safe before you cool off.
Once you are there, talk to your children about ensuring they stay within reach and how important it is not to go off on their own. If they are little once make sure they always stay at arms reach and you are supervising constantly. Introduce safe play zones will help enforce this with your children.
Indulging in a private villa with a pool? In some countries, you can hire a temporary pool fence to keep your little ones safe in your accommodation!
Any water prevention information site will explain the importance of knowing First Aid and CPR. If you are required to rescue your child it is very important to know how to do CPR. We offer these classes and if you are unable to attend a class we can provide further resources for you, your family and your community.
About the author of this article:
Nataly Tormey is the founder of The Parentmedic movement, a first-aid educator for over a decade and a registered nurse. The Parentmedic Movement is operating in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
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