Summer Fun and Water: What you need to know

 There’s nothing better than playing in the water on a hot summer day but parents need to know basic safety precautions that make this an enjoyable and fun-filled experience for everyone.
 

Did you know that a child can drown in less than 2 inches of water? 

That means that tragedy can happen where you least expect it…the sink, the toilet bowl, a fountain, a bucket or small bodies of standing water. Children under the age of 4 are particularly vulnerable.
 

Make sure you practice these three “layers of protection”:
 

Supervision
Children should never be unattended or unsupervised near water. Even a small amount of water in a bucket can provide a potential drowning hazard for a very young child. Take time to make sure that any outdoor space is free of hazards. Supervision is the key to preventing a tragedy and children should never be out of sight of an adult.
 

Barriers
Children should never have access to any body of water or water feature without an adult making it accessible to them. This is particularly important if you have a pool or pond in the outdoor space. Make sure that you stay close enough to provide “touch supervision”. 

Emergency Preparedness
All parents should be trained in emergency procedures and have access to emergency contact numbers.
 

Remember: 

“Keep Your Eyes on the Kids” and look for fun alternatives that provide a safe water play experience. A little bit of water can go a long way!