Be Water Wise

Be Water Wise

By The YMCA

Children in all parts of the country are counting down the days until summer.  They long for the freedom that summer brings, time to do what they want, to play outside and time to relax.  It seems that in the heat of the summer, the only escape from the hot, ever-present sun is the swimming pool.  Are you ready and do you have a system in place to ensure that your family is “water safe” this summer?

Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4?  Over the past nine years, one-third of Texas drownings occurred in the Houston Area.¹ These statistics are alarming.  So, just plan to swim in an area where there are a lot of people that can help rescue a child, if needed….right? NO! One of the most concerning statistics is the fact that “only 56% of those who say they can swim can perform all five basic water safety skills.”

We know that a single inch of water covering a child’s mouth and nose can cause drowning.  First, be aware of the areas in which a child can drown. The obvious places are the bathtub and the swimming pool.  But don’t rule out spas, ponds, toilets, buckets, or any standing water. These pose a risk! Here are some water safety tips:¹ 

• Talk to your children about water safety and educate them on what to do if they find themselves in a dangerous situation.  
• PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE!  When you are on water duty, watching the kids when they are around water, put your phone down.  Make sure that you are present and not distracted. Accidents can happen in a heartbeat; watch all of the time.
• Put a physical/protective barrier between your children and the water.  These might include gates, alarms, and fencing.
• Swimming lessons.  In the past eight years, the Water Wise Program at the YMCA has provided more than 8,000 free swimming lessons.  Take advantage of the available programs.
• Learn CPR.  Contact your local YMCA to see if  at YMCA location
• Call 9-1-1 if you find someone in trouble or hurt in the water.

Safe guard your family this summer against the dangers of water.  Yes, water can be dangerous and scary, but education is the key. Happy Swimming!