As the summer heat sets in, activities around or involving water are a way many people cool off during hot days. Whether you and your family head up to the lake, the ocean or even rivers for summer fun, it’s important to remember that water safety is crucial in reducing water related injuries and fatalities. While many of these safety practices may seem common sense, drowning still remains a number one cause of death in the United States, especially amongst infants, toddlers, children and even teens. In fact, the leading cause of death after genetic defects in children are drowning accidents and water related injuries.

According to the CDC, rates of drowning in children ages 1-4 are higher than any other age group. An estimated 3,500+ people die each year from drowning, and children ages 1-4 make up one third of that statistic. Most commonly these deaths happen in home swimming pools and bath tubs. It is estimated that for each subsequent fatality from drowning, another 5 individuals require hospitalization after a near drowning accident. 

For others, they are permanently disabled from water related injuries and may experience severe brain damage, paralysis, memory problems, learning disabilities, or other developmental delays and the worst present with a permanent vegetative state.

Many people think that a few inches of water won’t hurt anything and that their children should be safe, but did you know that a baby or toddler can drown in as little as one inch of water?

Keep reading for tips on how to keep your family safe this summer during water activities.

1. Begin by scouting areas around your home that may present a drowning hazard. Perhaps you may have a swimming pool, hot tub, or a kiddie pool. Other dangers around the home to be aware of are any buckets, koi ponds, or natural water features such as creeks, streams, lakes, larger ponds as well as toilets and bath tubs which are also potential hazards. Once you’ve identified hazards, start making a plan to cover up bodies of water that you are able too during non-use and put-up fences around dangerous areas that are completely separated from the house that feature 4 or more solid sides, are a minimum of 48 inches tall, have self-latching and locking mechanisms that are no less than 54 inches tall, are no more than 4 inches apart, and are resistant to kids that can climb over them. If there are any buckets or planting pots lying around such as 5 gallon or 1 gallon buckets, ensure they are dumped of all liquid after use to discourage children playing in them and potentially drowning.

2. Prevent your child from going outside unnoticed. If you have a toddler or preschooler who may want to go outside to play, make sure you are able to supervise them while they’re outside and use safety gates, door locks or doorknob covers to prevent children from sneakily escaping the house without your knowledge. Ensure that other children and family members in the home adhere to the safety protocols and remember to lock up doors, gates and close any doors or windows a small child could potentially escape from. Security cameras may help to keep everything in order and help you keep an eye on many parts of your home and are a worthy investment. At Southern Alarm and Security, we offer security cameras and system to help ensure everyone’s safety. For more info on that, check out our residential security camera page here.

3. Always wear a life jacket or flotation devices whenever you are playing in and around bodies of water and learn CPR in the event you witness a possible drowning incident! No matter your age, everyone benefits from personal flotation devices when engaging in water activities such as boating, tubing, kayaking or canoeing. You may think you are a strong swimmer and that you don’t “need” one, but we urge caution and would rather you be safe than sorry. Children ESPECIALLY need to be wearing floatation devices at ALL times when they are in or around water to reduce the risk of drowning. When purchasing a life jacket for you or your little ones, ensure they are approved by the coast guard or other official organization as being effective against drowning. A further step in reducing water related and drowning deaths is to learn CPR for infants, children, and adults in the event an unforeseen or potential drowning incident occurs and you will need to resuscitate the victim.

4. When around water ALWAYS supervise children, especially infants and toddlers. Prevention of water and drowning incidents relies largely on safe supervision of children around water and fast reaction time if something does happen. When supervising children around water, do not consume alcohol or any other substance that could adversely affect your reaction time or perception of things. If you are throwing a get together with the kids and multiple adults are present, it’s a good idea to assign a different adult to be the “Water Watcher” for 15 to 30 minutes at a time and then switch out to ensure that children are safe and playing appropriately.

5. Invest in safe swim lessons for your children. Little ones ages 1 and up are able to take swim lessons with a parent joining in on the class. Lessons generally begin with a series of steps to help your baby or toddler get comfortable with the water, help them explore it and feel it and then instructors will often give you training as a parent that teaches you how to recognize water safety hazards and work with your little one through games and play as they begin their journey to being a good swimmer. Many organizations offer swim lessons, but the YMCA and Red Cross are safe bets for great swim programs in your community. For more information on swim lessons at the Y, check out their page here. For more information on what classes the Red Cross offers, check out that page here. 

Here at Southern Alarm and Security, your safety is our priority. We take pride in keeping our community safe and supplying residential and commercial security products. We’ve been in business for more than 80 years and are a leader in our industry. For more information on safety and security products we offer, feel free to check out our “Residential Security” page on our website here.