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.