The hot weather means more time cooling off in the pool, keep extra attentive around young swimmers. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional, injury-related deaths for children 4 and under and is preventable by keeping a few things in mind while recreating near water. Making sure your pool has barriers and gate latches is a good first step – along with having a designated adult to keep an eye on kids while they are around open water. Drowning is silent and can take only a few seconds, so parents are urged to keep distractions at a minimum when at the pool. That means phones, books, alcohol, or anything else that can take your attention away from the water. Children as young as one are also urged to take swimming lessons and having an adult trained in CPR can increase safety for everyone around the pool.
For more information on water safety:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html
First 5 California: https://www.first5california.com/en-us/articles/water-safety-baby-toddler-preschooler/
