In 2023, Collin County was among the top three Texas counties most abundant in drowning victims. Every victim was younger than 5 and all drowned inside a backyard or community pool. -Texas Department of Family & Protective Services
Summer is here now, and water is a great method to beat the heat. But the summer time is even the time of year when children are probably to drown. Drowning is really a leading cause of accidental / accident death for kids under 4 years old, and a drowning can happen in as little as an inch of water.
Most importantly: Check the water first! If your child goes missing, look anywhere water may be: pools, hot tubs, fountains, draining ditches and even the neighbor's backyard.
Having multiple layers of protection might help ensure safety and prevent a drowning at home. Keep the family safe by using these simple guidelines:
- Secure access. Surround your pool with a fence at least 4 feet tall that can not be climbed and has a self-closing and self-latching gate. Install alarms towards the doors leading to the pool or underwater pool alarms that sound when something hits the water.
- Empty and take away. Anything floating within the water is definitely an invitation to children as well as an accident waiting to happen. Dump water from inflatable pools and defeat ladders or steps to above ground pools after each use.
- Teach swimming. Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children between the ages of 1 and 4.
- Follow the rules. All children need to be taught pool rules. Never ever swim alone; don't go close to the water or in water without adult permission; rather than swim on a babysitter's watch. Know the rules, teach the guidelines and follow the rules.
- Pay attention. Never take your eyes off your kids and keep all distractions set aside.
- Prepare a DWW. At social gatherings, rotate down to \”Designated Water Watcher\” among adults who understand how to swim. Don't rely on air-filled or foam toys, for example water wings, noodles or inner tubes, to keep children safe. This gives a false feeling of security.
- Beware of drains. Don't allow children to play near or sit on pool or spa drains. Body parts and hair may become entrapped through the strong suction.
- Stay extra safe. Keep emergency equipment handy, like a safety ring with a rope and/or a long pole near the pool.
- \”Reach or throw, don't go.\” Lie on the ground and reach out or extend safety equipment to some struggling swimmer. Don't enter in the water unless a swimmer is submerged to the bottom or can't hold the safety equipment.
- Be ready. Emergency medical numbers, a first aid kit, the home's physical address and a phone ought to be handy. Learn CPR.