A safer summer starts now: Water safety tips for Memorial Day
Memorial Day marks the start of beach and pool season here in Chicago and many local families will be taking advantage of the weather this weekend to enjoy some time in the water. But with all this fun in the sun - and water - it's important to keep safety in mind too. So, how do we have fun in the water while also ensuring that everyone plays it safe? What do parents really need to know when it comes to water safety?
When it comes to drowning, the statistics are pretty staggering. Drowning is the leading cause of injury death to children, age 1 to 4, and the second leading cause of injury death for children ages 1 to 14, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A child can drown in as little as one inch of water and in as little time as 20 seconds.
Goldfish Swim School has some rules and tips to help your family have a safer summer:
• Designate a Water Watcher: Any time kids are around water, designate a "water watcher" who will avoid cellphones, conversations, magazines and anything else that might distract the adult from watching swimming children. It's important to note: most children who drown are supervised.
• Take swimming lessons: The American Red Cross says that the number one thing that parents can do to keep kids safe around water is to enroll them in swim lessons. Swimming is an essential lifesaving skill with numerous physical, mental and intellectual benefits.
• Know your tools: Realize that floaties, noodles and plastic inner tubes do NOT protect against drowning. They are created as water toys, not lifesaving devices. Life jackets should be designated as U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
• Stay aware: Know that even the most seasoned swimmers can still encounter trouble. Make sure swimmers don't overestimate their skills and that they understand the importance of staying hydrated at all times.
Regardless of skill level, here are some mandatory water safety skills that all children should be familiar with, and how you can practice them this summer:
• Climbing out safely: A great way to help kids remember how to get out safely is with the phrase "Elbow, elbow, tummy, knees!"
• Holding onto and using the edge of the pool: Once children's grasping strength has developed, being able to hold onto the edge of the pool is an essential water safety skill. Once at the edge, they can walk their hands along the edge until they reach the safety of steps or a ladder.
• Jump, turn, swim to the wall: Let your child jump off the side of the pool to you, help them physically turn back to the wall and then assist them in getting out of the pool by using the "elbow, elbow, tummy, knees" technique.
• Back float: A back float is a great way for kids to stay safe in the water if they get too tired to make it back to the pool's edge. Help them practice by supporting them underneath their shoulders and encouraging their chin back, belly to the sky. Also, encourage them to practice rolling over from a front float to a back float for added safety.
Families can work on these skills all summer long every time they are in the water.