Make a splash this summer by swimming safely & Becoming a Water Watcher
Safety & Awareness | July 5, 2023
Safe Kids Safety Tips By Kathi Hegranes, FOCUS Program Coordinator, Injury Prevention & Outreach Coordinator, CPST-I, ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah
Drowning can happen to anyone, but our kids are especially vulnerable. Statistics show that drowning happens much more often than we may think and drowning doesn’t actually look like drowning. What can you do to ensure your family’s safety and still have a fun summer?
Be a Water Watcher
A Water Watcher is a responsible adult who agrees to supervise the children in open water or a pool – keeping them in sight at all times. Download your Water Watcher card at www.SafeKids.org and take turns being the designated adult for 15 minutes at a time. Rotate turns with other responsible adults.
While scary, it’s important to note that CDC records show most young children who drown in pools were last seen indoors, had been out of sight for less than five minutes, and were under the supervision of parents at the time.
It’s important for children to not have a fear of water. Start introducing them to water when they are very young and make sure your child has a plan if they were to accidentally fall in a pool.
Research shows water safety and swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning of children ages 1-4 by 88%.
Be wary of inflatables. While often super cute, floaties aren’t life jackets and wind (and waves) can turn the inflatables over dumping children in the water.
Always check pool depth before jumping in or diving. It may look “deep enough” but that can be deceiving and lead to severe injuries.
Recognize the signs of drowning. People who drown are more likely to remain quiet, unnoticeable and sink silently. Drowning occurs rapidly.
Fast Facts
- More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death
- Children ages 5-14 have drowning as the second leading cause of unintentional injury death
- 4,000 fatal drownings occur each year – that is roughly 11 drowning deaths per day. 8,000 nonfatal drownings occur each year – or roughly 22 nonfatal drownings per day
- Swimming is the fourth most popular recreational activity in the United States.
- Swimming is the most popular recreational activity for children and teens (ages 7-17).
- About 91 million people over the age of 16 swim in oceans, lakes, and rivers each year in the United States.
HAVE A SAFE & FUN SUMMER!
Safe Kids Fox Valley wishes you a healthy, fun summer. Like us on Facebook for current safety tips, recalls and upcoming activities at Safe Kids Fox Valley. Weather and other precautions may affect scheduled events. Please check Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
