As the weather warms up here in North Texas, many of us will be headed to pools, lakes, and beaches to cool off. While water activities can be fun and refreshing, they also pose serious risks, especially for young children. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in children, but with proper precautions, it is preventable. At Pediatric Concierge of North Texas, we are committed to keeping your little ones safe. Here are my essential water safety tips every parent should know.
1. Supervision is Key
Never leave a child unattended near water. Designate a responsible adult as a “water watcher” whose sole focus is monitoring children in or around water. Even if a lifeguard is on duty, parental supervision is crucial. I do not recommend having teens responsible for younger children as that is a lot of responsibility and risk placed on a teen who still wants to have fun in the water as well.
2. Teach Water Safety Skills
Enroll your child in age-appropriate swim lessons. While swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, they do not make a child “drown-proof.” Reinforce rules such as always having a responsible adult with them when near a body of water.
3. Use Proper Safety Equipment
Ensure young children and inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when near open water. Avoid using inflatable toys or water wings as a substitute for life jackets.
4. Secure Pools and Water Areas
Install fully encased fencing around home pools with self-latching gates. Remove toys and floats from the pool area when not in use to prevent children from trying to retrieve them. Consider pool alarms for added protection.
5. Learn CPR
Knowing how to perform CPR can be lifesaving in an emergency. Parents, caregivers, and older siblings should take CPR classes to be prepared in case of an accident.
6. Be Aware of Water Hazards at Home
Drowning can happen in just a few inches of water. Always empty bathtubs immediately after use, close toilet lids, and secure buckets and kiddie pools when not in use.
7. Stay Vigilant in Natural Bodies of Water
Lakes, rivers, and oceans have unpredictable currents and uneven surfaces. Teach children to enter feet first, stay close to shore, and always swim with an adult buddy.
8. Set and Enforce Water Safety Rules
Make sure your child understands water safety rules, such as not pushing others into the water, avoiding rough play, and never diving into shallow water.
9. Lead by Example
Children learn by watching adults. Always practice safe behaviors around water, such as wearing life jackets on boats and following pool rules.
10. Know the Signs of Drowning
Drowning is often silent, without the splashing and screaming portrayed in movies. Look for signs such as head low in the water, bobbing up and down, or a look of panic. If in doubt, act immediately.
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Water!
By following these water safety tips, you can help ensure a fun and safe experience for your child. If you have any concerns about water safety or your child’s swimming readiness, don’t hesitate to reach out to Pediatric Concierge of North Texas. We’re here to support your family’s health and safety!
