Here at the Jersey Shore, summertime often means lots of time spent in and around the water. These activities are great ways to stay active and healthy and have fun family time, but it is crucial to remember how to enjoy water safely. As a pediatrician, I feel this is a very important topic and unfortunately have had first hand experience in managing children who have had drowning accidents. I want all of my patients and my community to be empowered with the knowledge to make smart and safe decisions around water.
Drowning Facts and Statistics
Children account for 25% of all drowning deaths that occur each year. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of accidental death among children ages 5-14. For every child who drowns, there are 5 more who receive emergency care for submersion events.
Drowning happens quickly and quietly and can occur in as little as 1 inch of water. The most common location for these accidents varies by age. Infants under age 1, are most likely to drown in the bathtub, ages 1-4 in home pools and hot tubs, and older children in open bodies of water.
I understand that these statistics can be frightening, and it is not my intention to alarm you. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent accidents and injuries. The good news is that by practicing safe habits and being vigilant, you can significantly reduce these risks. Let's explore some practical and effective safety tips that will help ensure your child's safety around water, allowing you to enjoy the fun and relaxation that summer brings with peace of mind.
Swimming Skills and Flotation Devices
Formal swimming lessons can begin early in childhood, even as early as 6 months of life. These early lessons are important in helping children learn basic safety, how to float and get to the side of the pool and eventually how to swim more formal strokes. All of this builds strength, knowledge, confidence and comfort with the water. Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88% in young children. Repetition is key, so start young and continue lessons regularly to reinforce what they are learning.
Everyone should know how to swim, even if you don’t live near water or spend regular time on a boat. If you are an adult and don’t know how to swim, go out and sign up for lessons today.
While floaties and water wings are used often, they are not actually recommended. . They can lead to a false sense of security for both parents and children. They tend to keep children in a more vertical position which is not a natural swimming position that can lead to more difficulty in learning to properly swim and float.The vertical position is called “the drowning position”. Regularly using the floatie device impairs children learning how their body feels and moves in water without the device on and can cause a false sense of buoyancy and security. Some children also come to be overly dependent on a float device and may experience significant fear and anxiety once it is removed, making learning how to swim more challenging. My advice is to use these items with discretion and caution.
Coast-guard approved life vests should be used anytime a child is on a boat or participating in other open water activities such as tubing, jet skiing, etc. Life jackets should be worn in these situations even if the child knows how to swim.
Home Pool Safety
Having a pool at home can be fun and very convenient. Here in Monmouth County, NJ it is fairly common for families to have backyard pools. Make sure that all doors leading out to the yard and pool area are closed and locked unless you are outside with your child. It is safest to have the pool area enclosed by its own fence which keeps the pool completely separate from the rest of the house and yard. The fence should have a gate that is locked or has a latch that young children cannot easily open. This gate should always remain closed.
Even if your children know how to swim there should always be an adult (or more depending on how many children are present) who is dedicated to supervising. This adult should not be using their phone or having prolonged side conversations. If the dedicated adult needs to leave to attend to something else, a new person should be assigned. Accidents happen quickly, so proper attentiveness is key.
Teaching Safety and Safe Play
As with many things in child safety, education is just as important as the other measures already discussed. Teach them to play safely and respectfully. Children, especially older adolescents who may already be strong swimmers, should be reminded not to swim alone. Even a strong swimmer can get into trouble in water if they trip/fall or experience an unpredictable event such as a seizure. Adolescents should also be reminded of the risks in swimming while using any alcohol or other substances.
Finally, adults and teens should learn effective CPR. Sometimes despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen. Providing appropriate CPR while waiting for emergency services can be life saving.
By following these water safety tips and staying vigilant, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your family to splash, swim, and play. Remember, the goal is to have fun while staying safe. Have fun out there!
-Dr. Christina Piron
Board Certified Pediatrician
MamaDoc NJ