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Drowning is the
second highest cause of unintentional death for children
ages 1-4 and 10-14. Parents and grandparents should not
be fooled into thinking that their child is safe just because
he/she knows how to swim.
Pool accidents can happen very suddenly and without warning,
so it is imperative that all family members follow some
basic safety precautions, especially if there is a swimming
pool at home.
Never leave a child alone near water, even near small portable
pools, buckets or fountains. There is danger of drowning
even in small bodies of water.
Never allow a youngster to swim alone or without adult
supervision.
Children with no knowledge of swimming should not be in
or around the pool.
Children under 4 should be accompanied by an adult when
in the pool.
Enroll children in swimming lessons taught by a qualified
instructor. Lessons won’t make them “drown-proof,”
but it will increase their safety and allow them to have
fun in the water.
In case of a backyard swimming pool, make sure that the
cover of the pool is completely lifted over the pool and
not partially open. Also, be sure there is a lifesaving
flotation device near the pool, as well as a first-aid kit.
Many accidents are due to broken or improperly installed
drain covers. New drain covers are designed to resist UV
degradation and prevent body parts or hair becoming trapped
due to suction.
A home pool should be surrounded by a tall fence with a
gate that locks.
Teach children to never dive or jump into unknown water
or dive in shallow water and to always obey no swimming
or other warning signs.
Perhaps most important of all, be observant. Supervise
children’s activities. Simply being near your child
is not supervising. Adults should take turns paying close
attention.
Here are some good questions that parents and grandparents
can ask children to help them prepare for fun in the sun.
1. Is it better to walk or run around the pool? Why?
2. What should you do if you drop your favorite toy in
the pool?
3. Should you jump into the pool to try to save a drowning
person?
4. What should you do if someone is in the pool and they
need help?
5. How do you dial 911?
6. Is it all right to get into the water when no adult
is close by?
7. Should you ever swim by yourself?
If you enroll a child in a swim class, look for programs
that teach gentle, gradual, child-paced curriculums. Request
a free skill assessment so lessons are geared to the level
and readiness of the child. No child should grow up with
a fear of the water or be denied the many pleasures of engaging
in swimming and other water sports.
Jean Cherni is founder of Senior
Living Solutions, a retirement advisory service. Contact
her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds, Branford
06405.
H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings
can be found in color on the web at: www.hpearce.com. |
