Preventing Drowning Children — What Parents Need To Know

PreventingDrowning Children — What Parents Need To Know?

Little children are curious,active and eager to explore the surroundings.Often they are attracted towater.They love it to shine, they like the game of waves, splashes and swimming!But they do not understand that water can be dangerous and bring trouble.That's whyimportant to protect them from water hazards.

The smaller they arechildren, the greater the danger of drowning.

Water safety isimportant for all ages, but especially for young children.Drowning is the leadingcause of death and injuries of children between 1-4 years.Young children can drown in less than 2 and a half meters of water. This can happen quickly andnoiselessly.

Drowning Facts

The biggest threat, faced by families with young children, is unexpected, uncontrolled access to water:pools, hot tubs and spas, baths with natural water bodies and water in homes.For example, 69% of all drownings in children aged 4 and under 4 occur during no swimming.

Create protective layers,to keep the child safe

To reduce the risk ofdrowning and other water-related disabilities of children, it is recommended to build of protective barriers.Such can help prevent tragedies during inevitable short oversight gaps, which are a normal part ofeveryday life.When children play in and around the water is very important permanentsupervision.

Fence and secure pools

Research shows that fences and protective railings can prevent more than half ofall the drownings of young children in the swimming pool.Swimming pools, includinglarge inflatable overhead pools and other temporary pools.Such shouldbe completely surrounded by a fence on all 4 sides.The fence should be at least 2 meters high and there is no opening under it or between the slats that aremore than 2 meters wide.

Separate the pool fromthe house

If in the yard of your houseyou have a pool, it is important to keep it locked with an alarm door.

Hold the door alwayslocked and check frequently to make sure it works.Keep the toysoutside the pool when not used, so that children are not tempted topass through the fence during no swimming. Also do not forget always cover and lock hot tubs, spa and hot tubs immediately aftertheir use.

Remove or enclose alldangers in the backyard

Baths for birds, fountains andlakes.Although such are beautiful, think about installing them oruse when your child grows up.

Wells, irrigation ordrainage ditches with them also need to be careful. So you will preventchildren's access to open holes, while placing structures such as fences for birdhouses, etc.

Never leavethe full tank for water unattended.

When they are not used, be sure to completely clear all liquids in containers such as:

buckets for cleaning orpainting;

reservoirs;

coolers with melted ice;

large water bowls forpets;

waste containers or recycling bins that can collect rainwater.

The bathroom can berisky place for young children.

Use protectivelatches or covers on door handles to keep the bathroom closed,when not in use. As an additional layer of protection, install latches or lockable covers on toilet seats, and consider removingbathtub stopper when not used to avoid fillingthe bath, if the child only turns on the faucet.

Provide a close,constant supervision in and around the water

When your child is in orclose to water, pay attention to everything that does.

Use observation withtouch in or near the water.

Most drowning of children in the home occur in baths, usually during interruption observation byAdult side. If you need to go out, take the child with you, even if there are rescuers.

Particular attention pay during parties or picnics on the pool or pond, when it's easy to get distracted.Keep an eye on the child and every 15 minutes, remind of his presence.

Use rescuevests near lakes and rivers

Children should alwayswear life jackets when in, on or near natural bodies of water, like lakes or rivers.Make sure they fit properly. Children and others whodo not have swimming skills, also need to wear life jackets when inpool or water park.

Start the lessons onswim as soon as your child is ready

Swimming lessons are recommended for all children and their parents, as another kind of safety in the water.Recent studies have shown thattraining in survival skills in the water and swimming lessons canhelp reduce the risk of drowning for all children, including those of 1 up to 4 years.

Decide only, when tostart.Your pediatrician is a good source of help to find out whether your child is ready.

Remember:

Always maintain the safety of your child in terms of water, at home where your friends, relatives and guardians live, and the places where you will stay during family trips.Prevent uncontrolled access during non-swimming and provide close, constant supervision while in or around the water. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician about your kid's visits to pools.