Swim Safe this Summer

duangphorn-wiriya-661992-unsplashAs the heat continues to rise for the summer, many of us will find ourselves seeking relief in water activities. Great memories can be created with water. You might have childhood memories of spending weekends at the lake, vacationing by the ocean or simply running through a sprinkler on those extra hot summer days. When there is water, typically fun is involved. Children especially enjoy water activities as they can splash in a pool, jump in a puddle or use the bathtub as a place to experiment with how toys may float or sink. Amid creating all these wonderful memories with children this summer, please consider how the experts recommend staying safe in and around water.

It is a devastating fact to report, but drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in countries all around the world (Vähätalo, Lunetta, Olkkola, & Suominen, 2014; Wallis, Watt, Franklin, Nixon, & Kimble, 2015). Children aged 1 to 4 face the highest drowning rates, making it critical to share water safety information with all parents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2016; Government of Canada, 2016). At this age, most drownings occur in swimming pools (CDC, 2016). It is important to understand that young children are particularly vulnerable to drowning because they can drown in only a few inches of water (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2015). In addition to this, drowning can happen very quickly and quietly, which leaves little time for individuals to respond in these tragic situations (Government of Canada, 2016). This topic is difficult to discuss, as is any topic that threatens the well-being of young children. As the summer season swings into gear, make wonderful memories with the children in your life, while keeping these water safety tips in mind.

Water Safety Tips from the Experts!

• When a pool is not in use, put toys away. These can capture a child’s attention and be used as a tool for climbing when an adult is not around.

• Empty blow-up pools when they are not in use.

• Be aware of small bodies of water as these attract a child’s attention. These include: bathtubs, fishponds, fountains, and even buckets used for cleaning. Most infant drownings occur in bathtubs and buckets.

• Keep a cover on pools when not in use and always completely remove the cover before swimming. Never let children walk on a pool cover.

• Always have children wear a life jacket when they are swimming or riding in a boat. Do not let children use inflatable toys or mattresses in place of a life jacket.

• Eliminate distractions while supervising children in water. Adults should avoid: talking on the phone, working from a laptop, or any other task that could distract a parent from giving children their full attention.

(American Academy of Pediatrics, 2013; American Academy of Pediatrics, 2015; Government of Canada, 2016)

As you embark on your summer adventures, keep in mind that the experts recommend infants and toddlers should have extra supervision when around water. The American Academy of Pediatrics (2017) shares that newborn infants and children through age 4 should NEVER be left alone around any water, not even for just a moment. Infants and young children should always be supervised by an adult and not another child when in or near water.

Because children this age are at such a high risk for drowning, pediatricians now teach a technique called “touch supervision” to parents. This means that anytime a child 4 or younger is in or near water, an adult should be within arm’s length of the child and have their full attention on the child at all times. By doing this, parents can be assured that their children are having fun, while being kept safe.

Though we hope to never have to use CPR, parents can also consider finding out about becoming CPR certified. Parents may speak with their child’s pediatrician if they would like more information about learning how to perform CPR during emergencies. As you enjoy your summer, keep children close to you, particularly in and around water. Take a swim, walk by the beach, ride in a boat, but remember, be safe and always stay focused on the children.

 

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017, May 16). Drowning prevention:

information for parents. Retrieved from: https://www.healthychildren

.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Drowning.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2013, August 6). Swimming pool safety.

Retrieved from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-

prevention/at-play/Pages/Swimming-Pool-Safety.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015, November 21). Water safety: Tips for

parents of young children. Retrieved from: https://www.healthychildren

.org/https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-

play/Pages/Water-Safety-And-Young-Children.aspx

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, April 28). Unintentional

drowning: Get the facts. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov

/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html

Government of Canada. (2016, March 3). Swimming safety. Retrieved from:

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/injury-

prevention/swimming-safety.html

Vähätalo, R., Lunetta, P., Olkkola, K. T., & Suominen, P. K. (2014). Drowning

in children: Utstein style reporting and outcome. Acta Anaesthesiologica

Scandinavica58(5), 604-610. doi:10.1111/aas.12298

Wallis, B. A., Watt, K., Franklin, R. C., Nixon, J. W., & Kimble, R. M. (2015).

Drowning mortality and morbidity rates in children and adolescents 0-19

yrs: a population-based study in Queensland, Australia. Plos One10(2),

e0117948. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0117948

 

 

Recent Posts

Bonding Before Birth

I was five when my mom was expecting my brother. I have this vivid memory of her being heavily pregnant and perched on the edge of the sofa, reading me a story. I guess my brother was enjoying the story, too, as he gave my mom a surprising kick, which startled her, making her lose her balance and tumble to the floor. Thankfully, she wasn’t hurt, and we both laughed.

read more

Let’s Talk About Nervous-System Care

I don’t know about others, but the term SELF-CARE often brings up images of going to a gym, doing yoga, mindful meditation, or long luxurious bubble baths. And while I KNOW self-care is good for me, I rarely have the energy or time for any of that.

read more

Reflecting on 25 Years of Great Kids

We celebrate the 25th anniversary of Great Kids’ incorporation with immense gratitude to our founders and partners! This milestone represents the resilience, passion, and commitment of everyone who contributed to our mission.

read more

Building Childhood Resilience in Social Work 

As social workers, understanding and responding to childhood trauma is part of providing meaningful care. This often includes interacting with individuals and families with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

read more

Joy in the Small Moments

As we strive for a fulfilling life, we might catch ourselves chasing grand achievements and monumental experiences, believing they are the keys to true happiness. Many of us have shared these sentiments, even comparing ourselves to others on social media. “If only I had ___, I would be so ___.” However, insights from research and thought leaders like Brené Brown remind us that true joy often comes from embracing the small, everyday moments.

read more

Video: 3 Key Benefits of Growing Great Kids Certifications

Staff training is always a top priority when it comes to successful program outcomes. At Great Kids, we understand the challenges of ensuring your team is equipped to drive positive results. That’s why our CEO, Shawna Donaldson, recently chatted about our comprehensive training solution. She explains 3 key benefits of Growing Great Kids certifications that empower both you and your team.

read more

Growing Great Kids®

Why Choose Great Kids?

Never any recurring licensing fees

Proven Success

Over 37,000 people have been trained to use the Great Kids curricula

Protective Factors – GGK Constructs

Research informed constructs embedded in the Protective Factors Framework

Alignment with Head Start

The Growing Great Kids Home Based Curricula Series exceeds all Head Start Curriculum requirements

Evidenced Based Research

As evidenced by seven independent evaluations, the GGK Curriculum produces outstanding results

Specialized Training Programs 

On-site and virtual training options available

Healthy Families America

The Growing Great Kids curriculum aligns with and builds upon the HFA model approach