Distractions Make for Tragedies – Swimming Safety

About 10 people die from drowning every day in the United States*

Be aware and be in the present moment with your children.

Following are a few water safety precautions:

1. If a child is missing, check the water first.
2. Never leave your child alone; if you have to leave, take your child with you.
3. Lifeguards aren’t babysitters; always keep your eyes on your child.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of water; even rivers and lakes can have dangerous currents, often mistakenly called undertows.**
5. Water wings and pool noodles are toys and not meant to be relied upon as flotation devices. Always supervise children swimming with these.
6. Find age-appropriate swim lessons for your child, but keep in mind that lessons do not make your child “drown-proof”
7. Swimming pools should have fences at least 4′ tall and an outward opening gate which is self latching. Keep ladders and furniture away from the fence to discourage climbing.
8. Don’t let children play around drains and suction fittings.
9. Always have a first aid kit and emergency contacts handy.
10. Never consume alcohol when operating a boat, and always make sure everyone is wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

* https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/drowning on average about 10 people die from drowning every day in the United States, according to Injury Facts® [ https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/ ]

**Dangerous currents are possible in the Great Lakes. Rip currents can move at speeds of up to eight feet per second. Typically the strongest about a foot off of the bottom, which can cause your feet to be knocked out from under you and making it feel like something under the water was pulling you. Rip currents do not pull people under the water; they pull people away from shore. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/
Water safety on the great lakes how to identify a rip current
https://www.weather.gov/cle/great_lakes_rip_currents