Water Safety Inside and Outside

Being safe around any amount of water, inside or outside, is a critical skill all children and parents should prioritize. We often think exclusively of pools or lakes when we hear the phrase “water safety,” but the same safety recommendations apply to kiddie pools, hot tubs, canals, bathtubs and even toilets. In this article we will break down how to keep your kids safe around each of these categories.

Outdoor Water Safety

As the weather warms up, families are preparing for a summer spent out by the water. Whether you’re planning a family outing by the lake or a relaxing day by the pool, it’s important to practice the ABCs of water safety to keep our children safe all summer long.

• A is for Adult Supervision - It’s very important that adult supervision be active, not distracted. Active watching means that adults are not distracted by their cell phones or other activities, and that they are committed to their job of keeping an eye on children around water.
• B is for Barriers - Barriers buy adults time to reach a child before they get to the dangerous waters. Examples of barriers include life jackets and a self-closing and self-latching gate.
• C is for Classes - It is important for children to be instructed on water safety and basic swimming skills prior to playing around water. Additionally, adults should be trained in CPR so that they are prepared if the need to provide CPR arise.

Parents should understand that floatation devices like inner tubes and arm “floaties” are not a replacement for any of the ABCs of water safety. They aren’t safe for young children and provide a false sense of security – children can drown while using flotation devices if they are not supervised by an adult.

Water Safety in the Home

You may not think it, but everyday appliances and activities can pose a drowning risk to children as well. To keep babies and children safe from these dangers, we recommend following these guidelines:

• Never leave a baby or child alone in the bathtub. - Stay within arm’s reach at all times while your child is in the tub. Don’t step away for any reason – be committed to watching over your child for the entire bathtime.
• Empty bathtubs and buckets after every use. – Children can drown in just one inch of water, so be vigilant about emptying any water containers like bathtubs after each and every use.
• Install doorknob covers on bathroom doors and latches on toilet seats. – Children are inherently curious, but sometimes curiosity can be dangerous. Keep kids safe from water in the bathroom by “kid-proofing” your bathroom doors and toilet seats.

Water Safety Out and About

Central California communities often have water canals that bring much-needed water to our towns and farms. However, these can pose drowning risks to children and adults alike. Teach your kids that canals are not pools and are not for fun; they are to be avoided. The seemingly calm flow of water in canals can hide dangerous undercurrents, and occasional releases of water into the canals can result in powerful surges. In addition to these dangers, canals are also often littered with debris, which can cause cuts and snag clothing. 

When it comes to canals, remind your kids: play it safe and stay away!