Summer's here and that means swimming pool fun, but be safe out there, especially if you have kids under the age of 14.
Drowning is the second leading cause of death among kids in this age group and being outside or at the pool isn't enough. To ensure your children's safety, you need to be observant (not chatting on your cell phone or reading a magazine), and always know your child's limitations.
Other safety tips include:
- Making sure pools and spas are enclosed properly.
- Installing alarms on all doors, windows, and gates leading to the pool, as well as in the pool itself.
- Not leaving toys in the pool where they can be irresistable to non-swimmers
- Enrolling children in real swimming lessons (not water awareness classes) when they are about 4-years-old.
I'd like to add that if you have a beach vacation planned this summer, pay attention to signs marking beaches with strong currents or undertow. Even capable adult swimmers can run into trouble on unfamiliar beaches. Also, stick to well-attended beaches. "Locals only" beaches are "locals only" for a reason.
Following these safety tips will keep everyone's head above water this summer. See you at the pool...and beach!
