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S A F E G U A R D
Y O U N G S W I M M E R S
Keep kids safe
around water
For kids, summertime sure does ramp up
the fun. And when it’s hot, it’s water they
want! So consider these reminders from
experts for when kids are looking to make
a splash:
Watch them like a hawk.
Pay close
attention whenever kids are in or near
water—and always keep little ones
within arm’s reach. Texting, phoning,
reading or doing yard work could be risky
distractions when they’re under your
supervision.
Take precautions with home pools.
Remember, it takes only minutes for
kids to wander away into danger. So
along with keeping a constant watch,
make sure any pool you have is properly
enclosed so that no one gets in without
your knowing. Recommended safety
features include fencing on all four
sides, with self-closing and self-latching
gates.
Issue life jackets.
Make sure they’re
worn for those lake outings—and
consider having young or inexperienced
swimmers use them in swimming pools.
Know where they’re going.
Remind
kids to ask before going near water,
and never entrust their care to another
child.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
L
ife jacket.
It’s smart attire
for all boaters.
M
osquitoes.
Some are just
pests; some carry West Nile
virus. To protect yourself, use
insect repellent containing DEET.
Follow the instructions on the
label.
N
oggin.
+at’s slang for your
head, a part of your body that
needs a helmet when you bike,
in-line skate or ride a scooter.
O
pen-water swimming.
Never swim alone or in canals
or fast-moving water. And don’t
swim in the ocean unless a lifeguard
is on duty.
P
oison ivy.
Avoiding it begins
with recognizing it. Remember
this saying: “Lea%ets of three, beware
of me.”
Q
uiz your kids.
Always ask
where they’ll be and whom
they’ll be with. It may help reduce
risky behaviors.
R
ecreational water illness.
To reduce the dangers, practice
good hygiene, don’t get in the water
when you have diarrhea and don’t
swallow pool water.
S
unscreen.
Put it on at least
30 minutes before going out,
and reapply it every two hours or
a)er swimming or sweating.
T
icks.
Check everyone for ticks
a)er spending time in tall grass
or wooded areas.
U
ltraviolet radiation.
It’s
what causes the sun damage
to your skin. Try to keep your skin
covered, and seek shade.
V
ehicle safety.
Heading down
the highway on a summer
vacation? Make sure everyone
buckles up and your car is in good
shape.
W
indow guards.
Warm
weather means open
windows at your home, and open
windows can be dangerous for kids.
Consider installing window guards
to prevent children from falling out
of open windows.
X
—eXtra vigilance.
It’s
what’s required of adults when
children are in or near water. Don’t
take your eyes o# them, even for a
moment.
Y
ard work.
When mowing,
keep children indoors to
prevent injuries from %ying debris.
Z
’s.
Get enough, especially
before beginning long car trips.
Drowsy driving can be deadly.
Where there’s sun,
fun will likely follow.
Make sure that fun
will last by protecting
yourself from
summertime hazards.
www . columbiamemorial . org
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