 Of all ages, two-year olds are at greatest risk from drowning. Each year, more than 300 children under five drown in residential swimming pools and more than 2,000 children in that age group are treated in hospital emergency rooms for water submersion injures. Toddlers' high mobility and curiosity mean that adults must provide constant supervision when young children are around water. Do not allow toddlers out of your sight, even for a few minutes to answer the phone or go to the bathroom.
Here are some other rules of thumb:
• Never expect to supervise more than three toddlers around water at a time.
That includes baby pools at home.
• Do not leave toddlers near open water buckets, garden pools, toilets --
or in a bathtub unsupervised by a grownup.
• Insist on toddler life jackets at all times when boating or at the beach.
• Do not walk along a beach when there is a strong riptide or if the waves are
crashing strongly. Large, surprise waves have knocked people down and
out to sea.
• If you have a pool at home or are spending the summer with someone who has a
pool,make sure that there is a latched fence. In addition, make sure that there is
a power safety pool cover to cover and secure the pool.
• Install hook-and-eye latches or doorknob covers on the outside of bathroom
doors, as well as childproof latches for all toilets.
• It's great if your toddler takes swim classes, learns to float and be comfortable
in the water, but beware of developing a false sense of security about toddlers'
ability to swim or be safe around water.
• Learn CPR and Choke Saving Skills. Habitot offers adult classes in basic CPR,
Choke Saving, and First Aid several
times throughout the year.
Caregivers should also be trained.
• Bay Area Red Cross will present Water Safety advice at Habitot on
Friday, July 10, from 10:30-12:30.
Free admission for this Early Childhood Safety event is sponsored by State Farm
Insurance Companies.
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How safe is it to have a toddler around water this summer?
