At Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT), we care deeply about the safety and well-being of every child and family in our community. As temperatures rise and families spend more time by pools, at water parks, or on the coast, it’s essential to stay mindful of water safety to prevent injuries and acquired disabilities.

Here are practical tips to keep your family safe while enjoying water activities this summer:

Pool Safety

✔ Supervise at All Times
Never leave children unattended near water, even for a moment. Drowning can happen silently and within seconds. Designate a responsible, sober adult as the water watcher at gatherings. Avoid distractions such as cell phones, reading, or alcohol while supervising.

✔ Never Swim Alone
Even confident swimmers should swim with a buddy or under adult supervision to ensure help is nearby if needed.

✔ Avoid Breath-Holding Games
Games that involve prolonged breath holding can lead to shallow water blackout and loss of consciousness. Encourage fun, safe play instead.

✔ Choose Bright-Colored Swimsuits
Dress children in neon or brightly colored swimsuits to increase their visibility underwater. Avoid dark colors that blend into the pool’s floor.

✔ Use Proper Floating Devices
Ensure all floatation devices are appropriate for your child’s weight and age. Remember, inflatable toys are not life-saving devices.

✔ Empty Small Pools When Not in Use
Drain kiddie pools immediately after playtime to eliminate drowning risks.

✔ Install Door Alarms
If you have a pool at home, install alarms on any doors or windows leading to the pool area to alert you if a child exits unexpectedly. Layers of protection save lives.

Open Water Safety

✔ Wear a Life Jacket
When boating or swimming in open water, children and adults should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Always check the approval label before use.

✔ Know Your Environment
Understand the unique risks of open water, such as waves, currents, sudden depth changes, and boats. Teach children never to dive into unfamiliar water.

✔ Rotate Water Watchers
If you’re supervising in a group, switch designated watchers every 10-15 minutes to prevent fatigue and ensure undistracted attention. Always ensure water watchers remain sober to respond quickly in an emergency.

Home Water Safety

✔ Stay Vigilant Around All Water
Children can drown in as little as an inch of water. Always supervise bath time, and never leave water unattended in buckets or bathtubs.

✔ Secure Bathrooms and Toilets
Close bathroom doors, use childproof locks, and keep toilet lids shut to prevent unsupervised access.

✔ Empty Buckets Immediately
After cleaning or chores, empty all buckets and store them upside down to avoid collecting water.

✔ Fence and Lock Outdoor Pools
Install four-sided fencing with childproof locks around pools to prevent children from entering without supervision.

✔ Install Door and Pool Alarms
Add alarms to any doors or windows leading to a pool area, as well as surface or underwater alarms in pools for additional safety.

Emergency Preparedness: Learn CPR

✔ Every Moment Counts
In a water emergency, immediate action can save a life. Consider enrolling yourself and all household members in a CPR certification class. Knowing how to perform CPR while waiting for emergency responders could make the difference between life and death.

Local hospitals, community centers, and organizations like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association offer in-person and online CPR courses. Encourage babysitters, grandparents, and older siblings to become certified too.

Your Actions Save Lives

Water safety is a year-round responsibility, not just in summer. By staying vigilant, installing layers of protection like alarms and fencing, using proper safety equipment, and teaching your children safe water habits, you are preventing accidents that can lead to life-changing injuries or acquired disabilities.

At just 15 years old, Bobby’s life is a testament to extraordinary resilience, growth, and hope. His story is one of strength, perseverance, and transformation. This is why he has been named our Star of the Month for July! 

A Tough Beginning: Overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury 

Bobby’s journey began with a difficult start. At only 4 months old, he suffered a traumatic brain injury due to abuse, which dramatically changed the course of his life. This injury led to many challenges, such as muscle stiffness, difficulty with movement, developmental delays, and seizures. Over the years, Bobby has faced several orthopedic surgeries to help him regain his mobility and independence. 

Despite these hardships, Bobby’s story is not defined by his past, but by his incredible strength and determination to keep moving forward. Today, Bobby is a bright teenager, full of hope, with a love for music and a big heart. His journey is a powerful example of the human spirit’s ability to overcome the most difficult circumstances. 

Music: A Source of Strength and Expression 

One of the things that stands out about Bobby is his creativity. He creates his musical beats on his phone and computer, which helps him stay focused and motivated during his therapy sessions. Music has become Bobby’s way of channeling his emotions, turning his pain into something positive and beautiful. Through his music, Bobby shows the world that even in the face of adversity, creativity can thrive. 

Progress at CRIT: Physical and Recreational Therapy 

At CRIT, Bobby has access to the specialized care he deserves. His rehabilitation reflects his right to health and his right to grow as an individual with dignity. 

In Physical Therapy, Bobby has made incredible progress. He is mastering the skills necessary to walk confidently and safely, especially in crowded spaces like school hallways or busy public events. Bobby has reduced his falls significantly, a sign of both his physical strength and the determination that has been with him from the start. 

In Recreational Therapy, Bobby is developing essential life skills, such as following multi-step directions, problem-solving, and managing everyday tasks like cooking and handling money. These sessions are designed to build Bobby’s practical skills and to strengthen his confidence, communication skills, and social interactions. Each session provides Bobby with an opportunity to connect with others, form meaningful friendships, and express himself more freely. 

Bobby’s Progress: A Powerful Reminder of His Strength 

Bobby has shared that therapy is helping him “walk better and do things on my own,” a powerful reminder of his progress and unwavering spirit. His mother has expressed profound gratitude for the hope and support Bobby and their family have received at CRIT, allowing Bobby to blossom into the remarkable young man he is becoming. 

Your Support Makes a Real Difference 

Every donation made to TeletonUSA helps ensure that Bobby and other children like him receive the therapies they need to achieve their goals, build confidence, and work towards an independent future filled with possibilities.  

Service dogs are so much more than just pets; they’re incredible partners that help people with disabilities live their lives to the fullest. These special animals assist with all sorts of tasks, whether it’s guiding someone who is blind, alerting them to a seizure, or letting them know when their blood sugar levels are too high. 

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that assist their handlers in everyday life. Because of this, they’re allowed in many public places like restaurants, schools, and on public transportation, helping their handlers feel more included and confident. 

At the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT), many of the children we work with benefit from having a service dog by their side. These furry friends bring not only physical help but also emotional support, social connections, and lots of love during therapy sessions and daily activities. For kids with mobility challenges or neurological conditions, service dogs can make a big difference in their growth and happiness. 

Certain breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and German Shepherds are popular choices for service dogs because they’re smart, gentle, and eager to help. There are many types of service dogs, including: 

• Guide Dogs for those who are visually impaired 

• Hearing Dogs for people who are deaf or hard of hearing 

• Mobility Assistance Dogs for individuals using wheelchairs or with limited movement 

• Diabetic and Seizure Alert Dogs for monitoring medical conditions 

• Autism Service Dogs to provide safety and social interaction 

• Psychiatric Service Dogs for those dealing with conditions like PTSD or anxiety 

• Allergy Detection Dogs to help identify life-threatening allergens 

Service dogs truly bring joy, courage, and a sense of possibility to the lives of people with disabilities.