Fun in the Sun, Safety in the Sea
It seems that when June rolls around, children are drawn automatically to water.
Whether it is a pool, lake or ocean, kids and adults alike spend their days waterside, keeping cool and having fun.
While this can be a great way to spend those sweltering summer days, safety should not be ignored.
Drowning is one of the biggest summer risks for children 14 and under.
Children can drown in as little as one inch of water, so no matter where they are swimming, they should be supervised closely at all times.
While it is easy to be distracted by guests or a summer read, keeping a close watch on your children while they are around water is important, especially if they are younger or do not know how to swim.
Drowning accidents can happen quickly, so be aware of you children at all times.
Children should start being taught how to swim around age four.
Even if you children can swim, they should still be supervised when they do so.
If they are diving into the water, it should be at least nine feet deep.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, more commonly known as CPR, is a good skill for any parent to have.
As children get older, they should also be certified.
CPR could potentially save your child's (or somebody else's) life in an emergency.
When on a boat, make sure your children are wearing a regulation life jacket at all times.
They may resist, but it is important for their safety.
You and other adults on the boat should wear the life jackets as well to set a good example and show your children that there are no exceptions to the rule.
One of the most dangerous things when swimming on a beach is a rip current.
A rip current pulls water away from the shore, but can also pull swimmers and waders far out into the ocean as well.
Supervise your children especially when they are in the ocean, but teach them the procedure in case they do get swept out by a rip current.
Swimmers die most often due to rip currents when they try to swim back to shore and become exhausted.
If you or your child gets pulled out by a rip current, swim sideways, parallel to the shore, then slowly and calmly make your way back to shore.
You should also look out for strong tides and waves and make sure that your children do not go too far out into the water.
Waves that tower over your children can overtake them and cause you child to become disoriented or, depending on the depth of the water, cause them to hit their head on the sandy bottom.
Spending time in the water can mean lots of fun, but make sure safety comes first.
Whether it is a pool, lake or ocean, kids and adults alike spend their days waterside, keeping cool and having fun.
While this can be a great way to spend those sweltering summer days, safety should not be ignored.
Drowning is one of the biggest summer risks for children 14 and under.
Children can drown in as little as one inch of water, so no matter where they are swimming, they should be supervised closely at all times.
While it is easy to be distracted by guests or a summer read, keeping a close watch on your children while they are around water is important, especially if they are younger or do not know how to swim.
Drowning accidents can happen quickly, so be aware of you children at all times.
Children should start being taught how to swim around age four.
Even if you children can swim, they should still be supervised when they do so.
If they are diving into the water, it should be at least nine feet deep.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, more commonly known as CPR, is a good skill for any parent to have.
As children get older, they should also be certified.
CPR could potentially save your child's (or somebody else's) life in an emergency.
When on a boat, make sure your children are wearing a regulation life jacket at all times.
They may resist, but it is important for their safety.
You and other adults on the boat should wear the life jackets as well to set a good example and show your children that there are no exceptions to the rule.
One of the most dangerous things when swimming on a beach is a rip current.
A rip current pulls water away from the shore, but can also pull swimmers and waders far out into the ocean as well.
Supervise your children especially when they are in the ocean, but teach them the procedure in case they do get swept out by a rip current.
Swimmers die most often due to rip currents when they try to swim back to shore and become exhausted.
If you or your child gets pulled out by a rip current, swim sideways, parallel to the shore, then slowly and calmly make your way back to shore.
You should also look out for strong tides and waves and make sure that your children do not go too far out into the water.
Waves that tower over your children can overtake them and cause you child to become disoriented or, depending on the depth of the water, cause them to hit their head on the sandy bottom.
Spending time in the water can mean lots of fun, but make sure safety comes first.
