Keeping Your Kids Safe in the Water

Brought to you by Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Now that we are well into spring, summer is going to be here before you know it. This is the time of year that Northeast Florida families really enjoy living by the water, whether splashing in the waves at the beach, swimming in a backyard pool or boating on our many local waterways. But with the fun that comes with soaking up the sun, it’s also a time that parents need to be extra vigilant to ensure that kids stay safe while in the water.

Water Safety

Layers of Safety

There are three key elements to preventing a water-related accident – supervision, barriers and emergency preparedness. According to Cynthia Dennis, RN, coordinator of prevention for Safe Kids Northeast Florida, led by THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, in 94 percent of instances when a child drowns, adults thought the child was being watched.

“Actively supervising children playing around water and swimming is absolutely imperative, and one of the most important ways to prevent childhood drowning,” said Dennis. When in a group, adults should take turns being “Water Watchers” to make sure that someone is looking after the children at all times, and kids need to be instructed to never swim alone; they should also know to swim in areas designated for swimming. Safe Kids Northeast Florida supplies “Water Watcher” tags, which are helpful in taking the guesswork out of who is watching the children while they are in the water. To request to have a free one mailed to you, call 904.202.4302.

Using fences and other barriers to keep kids away from pools while you’re away is also a must. Florida law requires swimming pools to have at least one of the following: a fence at least four feet tall with a self-closing and latching gate; a pool cover; alarms on all doors and windows that have pool access; or doors leading from the home to the pool to have a self-closing and latching device with a release mechanism higher than 54 inches above the ground. Fences should not have gaps large enough for a small child to squeeze through or under.

“Data shows that the only tool ever proven to decrease the chance of an accidental drowning is a mesh-style fence that can’t be climbed,” said James Waler, MD, a pediatrician with Baptist Primary Care Regency Square Boulevard, who begins every first well-visit for all patients with a discussion on the importance of water safety and barriers. “Drowning is the number-one cause of death in children between ages one and four in the state of Florida. If children are older, I emphasize to them the importance of not swimming alone, and never diving into a body of water that may be too shallow.”

 Water Safety

The Tools You Need

Just like three layers of safety, there are three tools that can help prevent a tragedy. Making sure your children know how to swim is a big one, as is the use of life jackets when out on the water. And all parents should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Said Dennis, “Most children should begin swimming lessons by the time they turn four years old. Teaching a child how to swim and stay afloat in the water can make all the difference until help arrives.”

Swim classes are offered throughout on the First Coast including Beaches Aquatic Center, School of Swimming, Splash Jax Swim School, Swim and Learn, Swimming Safari and most YMCAs.

Candice Ramesar, MHA, RN, BSN, NEA-BC, director of the Wolfson Children’s Emergency Centers, said, “Parents and guardians should learn how to perform CPR. Early CPR can certainly make a difference between life and death. Children can drown in a matter of seconds in just inches of water and therefore should always be supervised around water. As a mom of little ones myself, I will always keep my CPR card and skills up-to-date!”

“The first three-to-five minutes after a water-related accident are very important,” said Suman Mayer, MD, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Wolfson Children’s Emergency Center. “Starting chest compressions within the first couple of minutes increases the likelihood of a good outcome. Prevention is the biggest key but if an accident happens, knowing the basics of CPR is your chance to help your child.”

To find a CPR class near you, visit baptistjax.com.

On the Water

Practicing water safety is just as important on the water as it is in the water. If you love to spend time on a boat with your family, kids must have life jackets on and know water safety rules. Also, don’t let children operate personal watercraft such as jet skis as they are intended for adults, and require special training. (And don’t forget the sunscreen!)

“It only takes a moment of not paying attention or not following simple safety guidelines for tragedy to strike,” said Dennis. “Never take your children’s safety for granted.”

Water Safety

Water Safety Checklist

  • Never take your eyes off of children in any body of water, even for a moment!
  • If you’re in a group, designate a Water Watcher and take turns with other adults.
  • Teach children to swim beginning at age four.
  • Don’t rely on water wings and other inflatable toys.
  • Control unsupervised access to the pool/spa using multiple approved barriers.
  • Learn infant and child CPR.
  • Make sure children swim in designated swimming areas.
  • Never allow a child to dive in water that’s less than nine feet deep.
  • Use only U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices.

Source: Safe Kids Worldwide
For more information and tips on water safety, please visit wolfsonchildrens.org/water.

Safe Kids Day

Safe Kids Day

Join Safe Kids Northeast Florida, led by THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for Safe Kids Day on Saturday, May 14, 2016, from 9:30 am to 1 pm. You and your children will have fun while learning about water safety, how to prevent injuries and save lives. That includes fun games and learning activities that teach safety in the water, as well as while riding bikes, traveling in cars, or just hanging out at home!

Costumed characters, including Clifford the Big Red Dog, will be there to help celebrate; and there will be a prize drawing for five lucky participants, conducted by WJXT TV4 anchor and child safety advocate Jennifer Waugh. Kids can even get a new bike helmet, while supplies last, as well as a picture with Clifford! The event is free to attend, but entry tickets to the zoo must be purchased.

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