It only takes a minute. You look away, you may not hear the splash and your child is nowhere in sight. Drowning – the harsh reality of losing a child in less than one minute. Drowning is swift and silent.
According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), there are approximately 4000 drowning deaths a year in the United States. The Lady Lake Police Department is committed to educating parents and caregivers about taking precautions to help end these preventable tragedies.
Florida loses more children under age five to drowning than any other state. Annually in Florida, enough children to fill three to four preschool classrooms drown and do not live to see their fifth birthday (Floridahealth.gov.)
Living in Central Florida, we are surrounded by water. Although children may know how to swim, if left unsupervised, they can drown in less than two inches of water. When participating in outdoor water activities, I encourage you to follow these safety-conscious behaviors:
- Never leave children unsupervised in or around a body of water – even for a moment. Children can drown in as little as two inches of water in less than one minute. Remember, a life-guard on duty at a pool, beach, or lake is not an alternative for you watching your children. It’s still your responsibility.
- Install at least a 4 foot gate around the pool that is self-latching and self-locking.
- Install a pool cover to securely cover the water area.
- Alarm every door leading to water to alert you if a child has gone outside.
- Teach children water and swimming skills at a young age.
- Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a U.S. Coastguard approved life jacket.
- During pool parties or family fun gatherings, designate an adult to watch the children. These are known as “water watchers.” Rotate adults if needed.
- Remove any toys that may attract children to the pool area.
- Keep a phone with you so that you never have to “run” to answer a call.
- Keep lifesaving equipment – a pole, life preserver and rope – in the pool area.
- Children with long hair should clip it back or wear a cap in the pool.
- Avoid keeping water in buckets or other large containers when toddlers are home.
- Don’t rely on flotation devices to protect your children in the water.
- Be observant of water current indicator/warning flags at beaches. The current can change or be dangerously stronger than expected even if you are an experienced swimmer. Children will be at a higher risk of drowning in these conditions.
Drowning Prevention Checklist
- Constant adult supervision by an adult who knows how to swim
- Childproof locks on all doors leading to water
- Gate or fence surrounding water that is self-latching, self-locking
- Pool cover in use
- Alarms for doors and windows leading to pool are activated
- Child has completed swim lessons
- Above-ground pool stairs removed when pool not in use
- Lifesaving equipment in pool area
- Pool chemicals and supplies are locked in a secure area
- Child is watched in bathtub at all times
- Parent and/or caregiver knows CPR
While you are out enjoying a fun day in the water this summer, please remember to be responsible and practice safety. Make a commitment to safeguard our children from becoming victims of this entirely preventable tragedy.
Stay safe and enjoy your summer!
