During summer months in Arizona it’s almost impossible to play outside without water but did you know drowning is the leading cause of preventable death for children under the age of four? Children don’t just drown in backyard pools. Here are some tips to keep kids safe around water:
Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. When it’s your turn to keep an eye on the kids, put away any electronic devices. Keep young kids within arm’s reach of an adult.
When you’re done playing, empty all tubs, buckets, containers and kiddie pools. Store them upside down so they don’t collect water.
Close toilet lids and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning. Children, especially toddlers, can drown in as little as a few inches of water. Toddlers may peek into a toilet and fall head first. It’s a good idea to keep the doors to these rooms closed.
Install fences around home pools. A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.
Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a life. Teach older children to call for an adult and to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
You can find these tips and many more on the Safe Kids Worldwide website and in this infographic:
