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YourHub.com \\ The Valley \\ Stories \\ Parenting

Remember Water Safety This Memorial Day Weekend

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Contributed by: Calvin Gipson on 5/23/2008

As pools open their doors around the country this Memorial Day, Safe Kids USA is offering a tool to help parents keep kids safe in and around water this summer.

* Download a free Water Watcher card - http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=ncIdEy_RD5lA9qwSpshWNQ..

Drowning deaths among children ages 14 and under increase 89 percent in the summer over the average annual monthly rate, with 64 percent of all children's drowning deaths occurring in the summer months.

To help keep kids safe this pool season, Safe Kids USA recommends these precautions:

* If you have a pool or spa, or if your child visits a home that has a pool or spa, it should be surrounded on all four sides by a fence at least five feet high with gates that close and latch automatically. Studies estimate that this type of isolation fencing could prevent 50 percent to 90 percent of child drownings in residential pools.

* A pool or spa should be equipped with an anti-entrapment drain cover and a safety vacuum release system to prevent children from being caught in the suction of the drain. The powerful suction forces can trap a child underwater or cause internal injuries.

* Don't leave toys in or near the pool, where they could attract unsupervised kids. For extra protection, consider a pool alarm and alarms on the doors, windows and gates leading to the pool.

* Enroll your kids in swimming lessons around age 4, but don't assume swimming lessons make your child "drownproof." There is no substitute for active supervision.

* Remember: inflatable swimming toys such as "water wings" and noodles are not flotation devices and do not prevent drowning.

* Learn infant and child CPR. In less than two hours, you can
learn effective interventions that can give a fighting chance to a child whose breathing and heartbeat have stopped. Contact your local hospital or Red Cross affiliate for information about local CPR classes.

* Keep rescue equipment, a phone and emergency numbers by the
pool.

* These guidelines apply to inflatable and portable pools, not just in-ground pools. A child can drown in just an inch of water. Kiddie pools should be emptied and stored out of reach when not in use.

One Family's Story - http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=M-CViaraADusBbg4-jfWyg..

Watch the story of Kai Lewis, who nearly drowned in a backyard pool, and hear his mother's advice to other parents on how to prevent similar accidents.

Watch more safety videos on our YouTube Channel - http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=Mp-b2YsR0SraPPa_BfSJwg..

This Memorial Day weekend our Kids Don't Float program is launching in 38 locations nationwide.

The program was started by the Safe Kids Homer, Alaska,
coalition. Kids Don't Float provides lifejackets for boaters and swimmers on loaner boards near docks and other open water access sites, as well as an educational component for kids ages 8-14 in local schools.
http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=qA4H41rWLJjdEWZlhJz2iw..

Safe Kids USA decided to expand the program nationally based on the success of the Alaska program, which has grown to more than 400 sites across the state with 12 documented children's lives saved.

To learn more about how you can protect your children visit www.ProtectMyChildNow.com or call Calvin Gipson at 818-219-4165 for more information.

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