Parents should be on guard against water dangers

With summer heating up, trips to the pool or lake are more common, so it is important that parents use their most important defense against drowning — supervision. Be the C.E.O. of your child — Constant Eyes On! Be aware of the unique distractions that occur at pool parties with multiple families in attendance, as well as a beach, public pool or lake atmosphere. Heat, noise, people-watching, sun glare and the monotony of a young child’s repetitive play on the pool steps or in the sand can create an environment for that split-second moment when your child goes under.

Water safety tipsŸSupervision: Never turn your back on your child around water. It takes just seconds for him/her to be in serious trouble. Remember, if they fall into the water, you cannot hear their cries. It is important that a supervising adult is within an arms reach. Segment the supervision responsibilities so there are never questions about which adult is responsible for watching the child (specifically assign someone while face-to-face to watch a child while you go inside of the house for five minutes, and make sure they acknowledge and understand that they are in charge at that moment in time). Even professional lifeguards guard the pool or beach in timed segments... you should too.ŸBright colors: Dress your child in bright colors when going to the lake or the beach. Use a consistent bright color and style of swim suit so all family members have a consistent image of what the child is wearing. ŸPictures: Have a picture of your child in the consistent #147;beach suit or lake outfit#148; with you to show the life guard or others who may be with you. Put it the photo in a plastic zipper bag.ŸCell Phones: Your cell phone is VERY important. You may want to protect it from the water spray by putting it in plastic zipper bag.ŸSurvival swimming: Do your research in selecting a swimming program that will teach your child to survive if they go unnoticed in a body of water. Self-rescue swimming is an added layer of protection.ŸPoolside/dock safety: Have a hook, rope and throw ring attached to the dock or near the pool deck such that these can be used at a moment#146;s notice. Teach and practice their use but do not allow unsupervised practice or play with these vital survival tools.ŸRope off a wading/swimming area: When at the beach, begin at the shore and extend a rope out to a depth of your choice. Allow your children to swim off of the shore ONLY in this area. It reduces where you might have to search. At the home pool, put the rope near the first drop off, where they might be upon evading your home supervision.ŸGo no further line: Paint a #147;go no further line#148; 2.5 feet in from all edges of the dock. Teach children to hold an adult#146;s hand between that line and the any edge of the dock. This is better than the verbal and vague #147;do not get too close to the edge.#148; Install a dock gate at the entrance of the dock that is armed with an alarm.ŸLife jackets: Life jackets must be worn in a boat or around the water when there is the potential for an accidental submersion. But, life jackets are not a substitute for the ability to swim nor for adult supervision. When picking out a life jacket, please read the warning labels as some of them will not float a child face-up.ŸFloaties: Flotation devices such as floaties, inflatable rings, etc., can often times provide a false sense of security for parents and children. These items can easily deflate or fall off your child#146;s arm leaving them in a potentially dangerous situation.ŸInfant Swim Resource is available to offer drowning prevention seminars and other presentations to your church, school, daycare, mom#146;s group or neighborhood groups, as well as your local pediatrician#146;s office, fire station or community center. Visit floatingbaby.com, an ISR local website, for upcoming speaking engagements and more information. Visit the national website at infantswim.com.