by Tracey Deaux and Crystal Sobery
Child Life Specialists

Swimming, especially during the hot summer months (and in our very own humid Memphis, TN), is a great and easy way to stay cool.  However, as child life specialists in the Emergency Department, we see many kids come in due to water related accidents during June, July, and August.  Although some accidents are unavoidable, some preventative measures can be taken to keep your family healthy and happy.  However, almost 800 children die every year from drowning incidents. 
 
Here are some things you can do as a parent to help keep your children safe around water:

• Actively supervise your children when swimming or around water (designate one person to monitor water activities)
• Have a phone nearby to call for help in case of an emergency situation (this does NOT mean talk on your phone and be distracted while supervising)
• Never leave a child unsupervised, even if for a moment
• Wear appropriate swimwear (not loose or baggy bathing suits that can easily get caught or tangled)
• Use swimming aids for children unable to swim well (i.e. floaties or life jackets)
• Teach kids NOT to dive in pools, unless it is a diving pool (i.e. with a diving board)
• Become certified in CPR
• Empty baby pools when not in use
• Enroll your child in swimming lessons
• Make sure your pool is completely fenced in.  If not, always keep doors and windows closed and locked.
• For infants and toddlers, make sure you have taken the proper safety measures to keep water areas safe (i.e. safety latch on toilets, bath water at an appropriate level, etc.)

Remember that not all accidents happen in the pool.  It only takes a couple inches of water for a life threatening accident to occur.  Do not leave buckets of water sitting around your house or backyard.  These are just a few tips to help keep your family safe this summer while swimming in a pool, boating on a lake, or bath time at your house.  It only takes remembering a few preventative measures to make your summer water activities not only safer, but more enjoyable for the entire family.