TGVG Blog

Water Safety

Safety & Awareness | June 1, 2018
water safety tips

Safe Kids Fox Valley Safety Tips
By Sarah Rhone RN, BSN, PHN, Outagamie County Public Health Division, Safe Kids Fox Valley Coordinator

Almost 800 children drown in the US every year according to Safe Kids Worldwide.
Two thirds of these deaths occur during the months of May through August. Parents have misconceptions on drowning. Many parents think they would hear a child drowning; reality is that drowning is silent. Drowning happens with very little splashing, waving or screaming unlike what is seen in the movies. Drowning also happens quickly. 1 out of 3 parents have left a child alone in a pool for two or more minutes. This increases a child’s risk for drowning. More than half of parents surveyed think that when a lifeguard is on duty that they are primarily responsible for the children. However, a lifeguard’s job is to enforce rules, scan the swimming area, rescue and resuscitate. Parents are responsible for watching their children.

Safe Kids Fox Valley in partnership with many community partners, and “Pool Safely” will be implementing a “Water Watcher Program” this summer. Pool Safely will be providing the water watcher cards and lanyards. These cards can be used by pools or by any body of water. The Fox Valley is surrounded by many lakes, ponds and rivers that children swim in. The cards will be available for pick up at participating locations. Please follow Safe Kids Fox Valley on Facebook for the launch of this initiative and to find out where these water watcher cards will be available.

Below is what is printed on the Water Watcher cards from Pool Safely.

Drowning is Preventable!

As the designated Water Watcher:

  • I will watch the children in the pool and never leave them unattended.
  • I will regularly scan the bottom of the pool.
  • I will avoid poolside chats and talking on the phone.
  • I will keep a phone at the pool for emergency use only and know the address of the pool I am guarding.
  • I will call 911 and follow advice to administer CPR if necessary.
  • I will locate and learn to use all pool safety equipment.

www.PoolSafely.gov

Safe Kids Worldwide Safety Tips

  • Watch your children in and around water without distractions.
  • Teach children to swim along with the 5 Water Survival Skills.
  • Jump or step into water over your head and return to the surface.
  • Tread water or float for one minute.
  • Turn around in a full circle and find an exit from the water.
  • Swim 25 yards to the exit.
  • Exit from the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without a ladder.
  • Learn CPR and basic rescue skills.
  • Make sure pools have four-sided fencing at least 4 feet high.
  • Empty kids’ pools after each use.
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