Swimming pool safety tips

The summer months are finally here, and Floridians are doing what they love to do… get in the water. Some go to the beach, and others go as far as their back patio. Many homes in Florida have swimming pools, a luxury and privilege Floridians are used to. But with privilege comes responsibility.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates, most of which occur in home swimming pools. Most of these drownings, however, could have been prevented.

The​se are some safety tips every parent or guardian should remember at home:

• Nothing replaces good supervision; never leave your child alone, even for a second, as it only takes a second for an accident to occur.
• Although floating toys are fun for children, they are not a substitute for a life jacket; make it a habit always to put a life jacket on your child.
• The CDS recommends installing a fence around your pool and removing all toys from the pool when you are finished swimming so children are not tempted to get back in the water.

Other everyday things to ensure any doors leading to the pool are locked and cannot be unlocked by the child. If you or your child are continually exposed to water, swimming lessons are always a good idea. Following these steps does not prevent all accidents, as the water and situations are unpredictable.

Make sure you are trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as a parent or guardian. Knowing how to renew your child can mean the difference between life and death, as time is always of the essence in water-related accidents. The summer months are meant to be enjoyed and what better way to enjoy them, than a nice afternoon swim with the family?

Make sure your day doesn’t end in disaster. Take the time to make the swimming environment a little safer for everyone, especially your child.