Summertime is in full swing which means the kids are out of school, and parents are looking for ways to keep them busy! Lots of families spend time at the local pool or head off to lakes or the beach for vacation. With that, it’s important to make sure that your kids are prepared for and safe in the water!
Did you know that almost every day, ten people die from unintentional drowning? And of those ten, two are children aged 14 or under. Drowning is the second leading cause of injury death in children ages 1 to 14*. There are even more children who receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries. These near-death drowning injuries can cause significant brain damage that may result in long-term effects such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning.
So how do you keep your kids and your family safe in the water this summer? Here are some ways you can help minimize the risk of drowning or other related incidents:
- Improve swimming skills: most community or recreational pools hold swimming lessons during the school year and the summer. Get your kids (or yourselves!) signed up to help them gain more skills and be more confident in the water.
- Learn CPR!Every second counts when a child or adult is drowning. The more proficient you are with CPR skills, the more helpful you can be to a potential victim.
- Using life jackets: If you’re in open water, life jackets are a must! They can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and other nonfatal injuries.
We wish you all the best for a happy and healthy summer! And if you have any other questions about water safety, feel free to ask any of the UNI Urgent Care Providers.
*https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/index.html