fieten I love working with children and truly see them as a gift from God. I have been a child life specialist for about ten years, working with children and teenagers in the hospital environment. View all articles | Contact author

With the summer season quickly approaching, many are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to break out their shorts, short sleeved shirts, and flip flops; the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.  Children, just like adults, look forward to the warmer weather.  With this, some make water safety a top priority in their outdoor plans.  Water safety is extremely important, not just as we make our summer plans, but also water play indoors. Both indoor and outdoor water exposures deserve equal consideration in regards to safety.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental deaths among children ages 1-4. Most drownings occur during a brief break in supervision. Children have the potential of drowning in as little as two inches of water.  Childhood drownings occur in pools, bathtubs, bathrooms, ponds, lakes and rivers.  But, drownings can be prevented.  Drownings can be prevented by supervising children around water at all times.

There are additional things that can be done to prevent potential water accidents.

Swimming pools:

• Children that have had swimming lessons still require supervision
• Ladders, patio furniture and toys near above ground pools are extremely inviting to toddlers; avoid having these things in close proximity to the pool
• Fencing, pool safety covers, and alarms provide added protection
• Flotation devices are helpful, but are not a good replacement for adult supervision
• Learn CPR
• Store baby pools (when not in use) upside down

Lakes, rivers and ponds:

·         If you are participating in a picnic or an outside event, inquire about if there are any bodies of water located nearby

·         Teach children that it is unsafe to dive head first into water, it can be easy to misjudge the water depth

·         Children should wear life vests when swimming in lakes, rivers, or ponds

·         Plants in ponds can make it difficult to see a swimming child, consider filling in the pond until your child is older

·         Install a security screen over the pond as cover. The screen should be strong enough to support the weight of the child

Bathroom safety:

• Young children should not be left unattended in a bathtub, or left under the supervision of a sibling.
• If the adult needs to leave the bathroom, take the child along
• Keep the toilet lid closed and install a toilet safety lock
• Consider putting a latch on the bathroom door to keep young children from entering the bathroom while unsupervised

Water play can be fun for the entire family.  Taking additional safety steps ensures that water play remains both fun and safe. Water incidents can be prevented. Watching kids near water can safe a life.

For additional information and resources, contact the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services at 217-785-1700. Get water wise….supervise!