Take the necessary steps to make sure kids are safe while swimming

My family used to like to tell the story of when I was about two, and my dad threw me off the end of a dock to teach me to swim. Apparently, there were a lot of relatives that stood by watching to see what would happen next. I’m confident there was also alcohol and wagering involved. Obviously, I survived. Not because I suddenly learned how to swim. My dad fished me out. The crowd cheered. That was enough for me to want to do it again. As cute as everyone thought this summer exercise, I can attest that is not the most effective method to drown-proof your child. I can also hear the echoes of voices saying, “That’s how I learned. Sink or swim.”

The problem is kids don’t float without some help. They drown. In fact, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. Every year, about eight percent of Kentucky’s unintentional injury deaths in children are from drowning. Ten Kentucky kids died in 2020 and nine in 2021. We can all agree those children deserved to live and grow up. We can all work to prevent drowning deaths.

The most important way to prevent drowning is supervision. Supervising is not just for when you are at the pool, the lake or the ocean. Supervision is also when around places with ponds, livestock watering tanks, and buckets. Make sure little escape artists cannot sneak outside. When you are near water, one adult needs to have close, constant, sober supervision of the children. Supervise like lifeguards. They do not read. They do not eat. They do not nap.

To supervise kids in the water, you must be able to see them. Alive Solutions, Inc. tests swimsuit colors and patterns in a variety of elements. They recommend swimsuits in neon colors, either solid or with small patterns. Bright colors allow people to see children under the water.      

Everyone should learn to swim. No one has to be an Olympic-level swimmer, but everyone should be taught swim survival skills. These include:

• In water that is over your head, get to the surface.

• Float or tread water for at least one minute.

• Turn over and around in the water.

• Swim at least 25 yards.

• Get out of the water themselves.

Swim lessons are a great way to learn these skills. Check with pools in your area about whether they offer swim lessons.

Lifejackets are another important layer of safety to prevent drowning. However, lifejackets do not substitute for supervision or learning swim survival skills. Kentucky law requires anyone under 12 years old to wear a lifejacket on any open part of a boat while it is moving. Everyone must wear one while riding a personal watercraft. Lifejacket rules change depending on your location, so double-check local water rules.

Lifejackets should always be U.S. Coast Guard-approved. You can find the certification label printed on the inside back of the jacket. The label will also list the weight limits on child lifejackets to ensure the jacket is the right size. You can read more about choosing the right life jacket at uscgboating.org/images/howtochoosetherightlifejacket_brochure.pdf.

The last important layer of safety to prevent drowning is knowing what to do in an emergency. Watch swimmers for signs of trouble. Sometimes drowning is quiet and without splashing. If a child is missing, search areas with water first. Rescue a person from water without putting yourself in danger. The American Red Cross advises you to “reach or throw, don’t go.” Have a way to call 911. Know CPR.

We can all prevent drowning. You can visit www.redcross.org for more information. Also, Aquatic Safety Connection has an active Facebook page sharing water safety tips and information.