15 Tips to Prevent Drowning This Summer

Home Pools

• Install a four-sided fence with a self-locking gate.
• If your house is one side of the "fence," install high door locks and door alarms.
• Don’t leave toys in the pool area
• Younger children – never swim alone
• Older children – always ask permission

Swim Lessons

• Recommended after age 1, but no age is too old.
• Safety Before Skill – In central Arkansas, you can get a prescription for free swim lessons from a pediatrician at the ACH General Pediatric Clinic or stop by the Safety Zone at the Family Resource Center at ACH.

Supervision

• Under the age of 5, make sure parent or adult is within "touch reach."
• With older children, always have a "water watcher" - someone whose sole job it is to watch the kids in the water. The water watcher doesn't nap, read, socialize or drink.
• Know what drowning looks like. It's often silent. Watch for children who are gulping for air and/or making "climbing a ladder" motions.

Flotation Devices

• Water wings are not approved as flotation devices.
• Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets and vests.
• Check for fit: if you can lift the jacket above your child’s ears, it’s too big.
• Arkansas State Law: children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket on all watercraft.
• Practice what you preach: adults should always wear life jackets, as well.

Be sure to watch Hope’s tips for what to do if someone is drowning, starting at 10:10 on the video.