8 Water Safety Tips for Parents

As you head outside to enjoy the sunshine, make sure water safety is a top priority. A pool party, beach trip, or lakeside getaway can quickly turn tragic without proper precautions in place. By taking a few simple proactive steps, you can ensure everyone stays safe while having a great time. 

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Parents are advised to take the following preventive steps to protect children from drowning:

1. Never leave your child unsupervised near water at or in the home, or around any body of water, including a swimming pool of any size or depth. Keep a close eye on all of your family members. Drowning does not always look like it does in Hollywood movies, with cries for help and loud splashing. Most people who drown are unable to call for help or wave their arms.
2. Don't rely on personal flotation devices (PFDs) or swimming lessons to protect your child. 
3. Install childproof fencing around swimming pools. The fencing should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing latch that is out of the reach of children.
4. Give your child swim lessons at the earliest age they can handle such lessons.
5. Make sure you have rescue equipment, a phone and emergency phone numbers near the swimming pool.
6. Insist that your child wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device on boats at all times.
7. Don't allow children to dive in shallow or unfamiliar waters. Always have children enter water feet-first. Diving in shallow water can cause permanent physical disabilities or death.
8. Always be prepared in the case of an emergency. Sign up today for one of Overlake's Infant Safety & CPR classes designed for expectant and new parents, grandparents and family members to learn infant CPR, safety and injury prevention.

This summer, let's ensure safety is at the forefront of our plans. By staying vigilant, providing swim lessons, and having essential rescue equipment on hand, we can create lasting memories while keeping our loved ones protected.