With summer here, families will be heading to beaches, lakes, and pools, making water safety a critical concern. Swimming is a favorite summer activity, but it can be dangerous if safety is not prioritized. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional death for those aged 5 to 14. Reviewing safety tips can prevent accidents and ensure a safe summer.
Adult supervision is essential. Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue lifeguard Daniel Barnickel advises, “Never swim alone.” Barriers like safety fences around pools can prevent unsupervised access. Teaching children to swim and basic water safety skills is crucial. The Red Cross offers courses nationwide.
The American Red Cross found that while 86% of Americans say they can swim, only 56% can perform basic water competency skills like jumping into deep water, treading or floating for one minute, and swimming 25 yards to safety. With about 10 drowning deaths daily in the U.S., recognizing signs of drowning and staying within arm’s reach of young children in the water can save lives.
Source: Original Article
Publish Date: 2024-07-01 17:42:10