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CommentsWater-proofing children
Prevent tragedy by learning simple safety rules
1. Depending on their comfort level, get children into swim lessons as soon as possible. 2. Store toys outside of the pool area. 3. Teach them methods of flotation, like floating on their back or treading water, in case they get tired and are not near solid ground. 4. Tell them to not swim across a 5. Keep flotation devices or a hook near the pool. 6. Knowing CPR is a plus.
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Although drowning awareness campaigns urge adults to watch their kids around water, drowning and near drownings make headlines each year.
However, simple safety measures go a long way toward preventing tragedy.
CIGNA Medical Group general pediatrician Dr. Leslie Barakat says that even near-drowning accidents can cause irreversible brain damage, so keeping track of little ones at the pool, bathtub or even buckets of water is key. About a third of drownings and near drownings occur at the home of a relative of friend.
“We forget that near drownings also do cause consequences and even if children recover, that can cause some hardship,” Barakat says. “The biggest thing to keep in mind is how quickly a child can get to water and how quickly bad things can happen. We underestimate the time it takes to look away, answer a phone call. It’s easy to get distracted.”
In addition to swim lessons, educating children about water safety is a good way to be proactive. There are many free summer programs offered throughout the state that teach youngsters more than the basics. For example, the City of
See also: Majority of Hispanic children unable to swim safely
