Health experts believe child drownings could rise this summer as more families stay home because of COVID-19.
Keeping our kids safe by the water is always a concern, but it’s especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
“As children are at home more due to social distancing recommendations, they may have more access to pools, bathtubs, hot tubs and other sources of water – all of which pose a drowning risk,” said Dr. Ben Hoffman, Chair of the AAP Council on Injury, Violence & Poison Prevention.
Drowning is the leading cause of death in kids ages 1-4, according to the AAP. The CDC reports that about 4,000 people drown in the U.S. each year.
The opening of public pools has been delayed or canceled in most communities, leaving families with fewer options to let their kids cool down and fend off the boredom of staying at home. As temperatures rise, more and more parents are buying small inflatable or plastic pools, and this could give them a false sense of security.
Children can drown in an inch of water. For those families who have above-ground pools, it’s important for them to not leave toys or anything else the kids might be attracted to when there’s no adult supervision in and around the water.
Here are some pool safety guidelines to follow:
- Assign an adult to supervise the pool at all times.
- Maintain constant visual contact with children in the pool.
- Never leave a child alone in a pool or spa for even a second.
- Do not permit diving in the shallow end of the pool.
- Make sure there is a phone handy. In case of emergency, dial 911.
- Keep non-pool toys like big wheels, wagons, tricycles, etc. away from the pool.
- Remove inflatable toys from the pool when not in use.
- Never allow swimming in an unlit pool after dark.
- Use Coast Guard approved life jackets for kids who need assistance swimming.
- Keep pool safety devices nearby.
And lastly, make sure your CPR skills are up to date. If you need to take a class, visit www.naperville.enrollware.com/calendar.
As we navigate through these unprecedented times, let’s keep safety at the forefront of our minds. The Naperville Fire Department wishes you a safe and healthy summer!
