Every Child Deserves a Safe Splash

With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, a nice day of swimming can be fun for the whole family. Whether at a city pool, nearby lake, or beach, knowing water safety is not only helpful -- it’s essential.

At Prevent Child Abuse Florida, we work year-round to support families and caregivers by giving them the tools to best protect their children. May is Water Safety Month, and it serves as a powerful reminder that keeping kids safe around the water requires being prepared and aware.

Drowning can happen to anyone, even the most experienced swimmers.  It is quiet and quick, and you may not notice anything is wrong.

Here are four key things to remember to ensure your child enjoys a safe splash when around water:  

1.      Designate a Water Watcher.

Assign a responsible adult to be the family lifeguard. There is no substitute for adult supervision and with someone paying attention, drowning can be prevented. This person should be actively watching without any distractions. Being present and aware is vital to your child’s safety. Drowning can happen silently and in seconds, so having an adult that is sober and able to react quickly to danger will help prevent a tragedy.

2.      Look for barriers surrounding water.

Physical barriers can save your child’s life. Children are curious by nature, and this can lead them to dangerous situations. Having door locks, pool covers, and gates can protect your child. Make sure every pool you visit has a gate and nearby doors are locked to protect your child.  

3.      Teach kids about water safety.

Starting swimming lessons with your child will teach them basic lifesaving skills such as floating and treading water. Many communities offer free or low-cost swimming lessons. WaterSmartFL is a great resource, as they offer swimming lesson vouchers. These can be applied for at www.watersmartfl.com. They also have a list of swimming lesson providers by county.  All children are different, so tailoring how you teach can be vital when it comes down to a life-threatening situation. For instance, children with autism account for 25% of child drownings and are more likely to wander away or have a special interest in water. Water safety can be taught in a variety of ways, and it’s important to consider your child’s learning style so that they can recall the information when they need it. Knowing your child is important and so is knowing they understand water safety.

4.      Be aware at bath time.

When bathing your child, stay focused and eliminate distractions. Never leave your child unattended around any type of water, and if you need to leave the room make sure to take them with you. Remove toys from the water once bathtime is over to discourage children from getting back in. In case of an emergency, always keep your phone near you so you can call for help. Knowing CPR is also critical for your child’s safety.

This May, enjoy the sun with a splash while keeping your child safe.

Chesley Richardson is the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Florida, a program of the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida. She can be reached at crichardson@ounce.org.