Water Safety for Children

When it's really hot outside you probably can't wait to jump into the pool with your child, but before you do, take a moment to think about safety. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children under age 14, and a large number of those deaths could have been prevented. Make sure you know about water safety before your child dives in.

If your child is under 5 years of age, you must keep your full attention on her whenever she is in or near the water. This does not mean only in an actual swimming pool--it means any amount of water. Young children can drown in the 1 to 2 inches of water found in a bucket or wading pool. You should never be distracted by a phone call, book or anything that would let you lose sight of your child for even a second. In a swimming pool, always keep your child within an arm's reach.

Don't be fooled by inflatable rings, tubes or other flotation toys. These are truly toys and should be used only with close adult supervision. A child can flip upside down or slide through the middle of the ring, and he may not realize how deep the water is when he is floating along. If you have a pool at home, remove all the toys when you are done so your child isn't tempted to reach for a toy in the water.

Teach your younger child not to enter the water alone or without checking with you first. She should always use the steps or the ladder and hold onto the railing. When she is older and wants to jump in, she should watch out for others and jump away from the edge of the pool. Your child should know to respect and listen to the lifeguard or adult in charge, and how to call for help if she needs it. Finally, remember that teaching your child to swim does not mean she is safe in the water.