Safety Steps and Wristbands

I'm so excited the wristbands we ordered for Ethan's Buddies are en route and should be here on Friday.

My desire for the wristbands is that they not only help fund raise to alleviate the tremendous financial burden this has placed on my daughter as she cares for Ethan. But that it also promotes water safety awareness.

It's important that everyone be alert and aware every time your loved ones are around water.
Never assume someone else is watching the children. Diligently watch every child near water.

Contrary to what people believe, drowning is a quick and silent killer.

There are 3 ACTION STEPS you can take to prevent drownings.

1. Protection






2. Supervision






3. Preparation

Protect your children by:

• putting alarms on doors and windows - especially the doggy door




• install a non-climbable five foot fence that separates the pool and spa from the rest of the house/yard




• use self-closing, self-latching gates




• install pool safety covers




• maintain all safety devices




• routinely check that you have secured and locked all doors and windows leading to the pool/spa




• drain standing water from pool/spa covers




• never leave toys in or around the pool

Supervise your children:

• assign an adult "WATER WATCHER" who knows how to swim to supervise the pool/spa area.




• assign a second adult as the "CHILD WATCHER" this person must maintain visual contact with all children in the pool/spa area




• don't distract your "Water Watcher" and "CHILD WATCHER"




• if there is a pool party or lots of children near or in the water, use multiple "CHILD WATCHERS"




• never leave a child alone near any water




• don't rely on swimming lessons




• don't allow children to play in the pool/spa area




• if you lose sight of a child check the water first
  

Be Prepared to help your children:

• learn how to swim




• get CPR and first aide Certified




• mount rescue equipment near the pool (lifesaving ring, shepherd's hook, CPR how to sign)




• teach everyone how to use the safety equipment and how to call 911




• know the skill level of your child's caregivers if you are letting them attend a group swim activity and you will not be present.

What to do if you find a child in a pool:

1. yell for help and clear the pool, everyone should get out of the pool and onto the deck




2. if you have someone with you, have them call 911 while you attend to the child




3. if you are alone, and the child is not breathing start CPR, after one minute call 911 then resume CPR and continue until help arrives.