By Genevieve McNally, Greenwood Tiger Sharks Head Coach
Summer: Perfect Time to Talk Water Safety
Schools out and having restless kids around the house is never ideal. The first choice on hot days and holidays is for families to take a trip to the neighborhood pool, mountain lake, local reservoir, river or amusement park. However, as much fun as splashing around in the cool refreshing water as the hot sun beats down there are inherent dangers that come with being in and around water, especially for children.
Did you know? Drowning is the number one cause of injury-related death among children between the ages of 1 and 5 and the second leading cause of death for children ages 5-14.
Did you know? Children can drown in as little as two inches of water.
Did you know? Each year an average of 1,027 children die from unintentional drowning and about 5,700 children sustain nonfatal near drowning-related injuries each year.
Though these numbers are alarming there are some simple tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Go to bodies of water that have lifeguards on duty. Of the total drowning deaths per year, those that occur under lifeguard supervision account for less than 1%
- Always watch your children and keep them at arm’s length
- Take a CPR class, so you know how best to act in an emergency
- Teach your children how to swim
- Use well fitted US Coast Guard-approved life jackets on children that cannot swim or are not proficient swimmers.
- Teach your kids to dial 911, in case of emergency
The BEST option is to sign your children up for swim lessons! Children between 1-4 who had swimming lessons had an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning. Club Greenwood offers a variety of aquatic programs for children of all ages, as well as adults. We understand that swimming is not just a lifesaving skill however it is a lifelong skill and sport that can be enjoyed at all ages. Club Greenwood Aquatics fosters a fun and safe environment for all to learn. The gift of swim lessons is one that can save your life or those of your loved one.
References:
Drowning facts. (2022, March 10). CDC.
Importance of water safety and drowning prevention. (n.d.).
St Louis pool party and triathlon lifeguards. (n.d.). Backyard Lifeguards.
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