May is National Water Safety Month

In 18 states, drowning ranks as the leading cause of accidental death among young children. Nationally, including Florida, it ranks first for children one to three years old. More than 75% of victims had been missing for less than five minutes. 88% of young drowning victims were under some form of supervision at the time of the incident and 46% were under the care of both parents. These facts are alarming, but the good news is, DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE!

In honor of National Water Safety Month here are some safety tips to follow around the pool, the beach and even while boating.

Beach Safety: Dress your child in bright colors when going to the beach. Use a consistent bright color and style of swimsuit. Have a picture of your child in the "beach suit" with you to show a lifeguard who may be helping you search for your child. Consider tying a balloon to your child's hand so that if she wanders off she will be easy to spot!

Boating Safety: Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFDs) around oceans, rivers, lakes or when participating in water sports. Test the PFD you purchase for your child in a pool... will it turn them face up? If it doesn't, buy one that will. Recreational boats must carry one appropriately-sized PFD for each person on board.

Pool Safety: Your child should never be able to access the pool alone! Build layers of defense around the pool. Permanent four-sided fencing that encloses the entire pool area should be 4-6 feet in height and equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates. Vertical bars should be no more than 4 inches apart. Remove ALL toys from the pool when it's not in use. These colorful objects can be very attractive to little eyes. Do not leave furniture or other objects in the pool area that would allow children to climb over the fence. Install high locks and alarms on ALL doors and windows that lead to the pool, including utility and pet doors. Position jets so floating objects flow to the shallow end near the steps or ladder.

In light of the recent drownings in our area I ask you to share these tips with your family, friends and neighbors that have little ones. Take time to educate and advocate for infant and child aquatic safety. Let's make this the year that "Not One More Child Drowns!"

Check Out: 7 Water Safety Tips for Families from the Harrah’s Regional Trauma Center at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) and Infant Swimming Resource

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