How to Prevent Drownings: 6 Pool Safety Tips to Help Kids Splash Safely Into Summer by Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP

Summer is finally here, and parents everywhere are breaking out the swimsuits and sunscreen. While there’s no better way to beat the heat, pool safety is a major concern this time of year. Before you and your kids take the plunge, here are six safety tips to help keep your family safe in the water:

• Start swim lessons early. Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 1 and 4, and it’s still a leading cause of death between the ages of 5 and 19.

• Keep kids under 4 within arm’s reach. Drowning can happen silently with people all around, so throw on a suit and get in the water with your kids!
  

• Know how deep the water is and where the transitions are. Kids often start where they can stand and panic when they drift toward an area where they can’t.

• Avoid splashing, dunking and other dangerous games. Pool shenanigans can catch anyone off guard, so avoid horseplay.

• Swim with a lifeguard or appoint a designated water watcher. Swimming alone or unsupervised is a bad idea, even if kids can swim.

• Learn CPR. Learning CPR may be the most important thing you do as a parent!

Pools are fun, but they can also be dangerous, so take the necessary precautions!

To learn more, visit WeChooseNPS.org and PoolSafely.com. 

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