As a pediatrician, I have seen too many cases of childhood drowning. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among children, and it is entirely preventable. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is safe around water.

In this guide, I will share some tips on how to prevent childhood drowning.

Supervision is Key

Children should never be left unattended near water. Even if your child is a strong swimmer, accidents can happen. The best way to prevent drowning is to keep an eye on your child at all times.

If you have a pool, install a fence around it and make sure that the gate is locked at all times. You can also install a pool alarm that will go off if someone enters the pool area.

Teach Your Child to Swim

Swimming is an essential life skill, and it can help prevent drowning. Teaching your child to swim at a young age can also help them develop confidence and a love for the water.

However, it is essential to remember that swimming lessons do not make your child drown-proof. Even if your child is a strong swimmer, they should never be left unattended near water.

Invest in Proper Safety Equipment

If you have a pool, invest in proper safety equipment such as pool fences, pool covers, and life jackets. Life jackets are especially important for children who are not confident swimmers.

Make sure that the life jacket fits properly and is worn at all times when your child is near water.

Teach Your Child Water Safety Rules

Teach your child some basic water safety rules to follow when they are near water. These rules can include things like not running around the pool, not diving into shallow water, and not swimming alone.

Make sure that your child understands these rules and follows them at all times.

Beware of Hidden Dangers

There are many hidden dangers around water that parents should be aware of. These can include things like drains and suction outlets in pools, which can trap a child underwater.

Make sure that your pool is equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers and that you keep an eye on your child when they are near these areas.

Learn CPR

Learning CPR can be a lifesaver in case of drowning. If your child is drowning, every second counts. CPR can help keep them alive while you wait for emergency services to arrive.

Make sure that you learn CPR from a certified instructor and keep your certification up to date.

Stay Sober

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, which can increase the risk of drowning. If you are around water, make sure that you stay sober and alert at all times.

If you are hosting a pool party, make sure that everyone stays sober and that there is a designated lifeguard on duty.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

No matter how hard you try to prevent drowning, accidents can still happen. Make sure that you are prepared for emergencies by having a phone nearby and knowing the address of your location.

Make sure that everyone in your family knows how to call 911 in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

Preventing childhood drowning is essential for the safety of your child. Make sure that you follow the tips in this guide to keep your child safe around water.

Remember, supervision is key, and it is your responsibility as a parent to keep your child safe.