Each year, according to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children between the ages of 1-14 and is also the leading cause of all deaths among children between the ages of 1-4, putting aside birth defects. This is one of the reasons why we take lessons very seriously at Little Fish and whole-heartedly invite others to join us in our mission in supporting drowning prevention and spreading awareness of water safety.
There is so much to love about the water and what it has to offer, but it is vitally important to understand the risks and dangers it can bring to children, especially when left unattended. With the right knowledge and preparation, we can negate the mentioned threats before there is even a chance for them to arise. Here are 3 Ways to Significantly Reduce the Risk of Drowning:
- Start them young
- Young children are capable of learning life-saving water skills as early as 6 months. The sooner you introduce your child to the water, the safer the odds of survival when the unexpected strikes.
- Barriers to entry
- While we love it when a swimmer gains their independence, it is a good practice to place barriers around bodies of water. Locks, baby gates, fences, and enclosures (etc.) are powerful tools that can help restrict your child from getting into trouble. Setting these up at the entry points of water will eliminate risks before they can even become a threat.
- Line of Sight
- Nothing can substitute a parent’s natural intuition and protection. Even if your swimmer can confidently navigate the waters, your presence and supervision are the ultimate keys to drowning prevention. Always keep your child in your line of sight. That way, you are the first responder in case of accidental slips or falls.