Warmer Weather and Water Safety, Be Aware of Risks
June 15, 2022
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Pools, lakes, rivers and the ocean become irresistible draws as the weather heats up.
Those waters, however, pose significant risk. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one through four.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends several ways parents can help keep children safe around swimming pools and hot tubs―all year long―in your backyard, your neighbor's, or while on vacation.
The best protection to prevent child drownings is focused adult supervision. At parties and other group settings where children are in the water, often parents assume that with so many people present, someone is watching the children. However, that usually means that no one is watching the children in those situations.
"At parties and other group settings where children are in the water, often parents assume that with so many people present, someone is watching the children. However, that usually means that no one is watching the children in those situations."
Randall Children's Hospital recommends that when children are in or near a body of water, one adult is an assigned “water watcher” at all times. This person’s sole responsibility is to watch all the children when they are in or near the water. This means:
Not being on the phone
Not being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
No reading or any other activities besides watching the children with full attention
The responsibility of being the "water watcher" can be shared by adults at a gathering, with everyone taking turns as long there is always at least one adult who knows they are on point until the next person takes over the role.
