Think water safety this summer!

National Water Safety Awareness Week 2013 Mon May 27th – Mon June 3rd.

As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors during summer holidays, it is a perfect time to ensure you and your family are prepared to spend a fun and safe time by the water. Water is everywhere and water safety is not just for the swimming pool but should be practiced in the home, on the farm and on the beach and while boating! Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between 1 and 4 years old and it’s the third leading cause of death among children.

67 children drowned in Ireland in the last 10 years. Irish Water Safety Week’s  appeal: “Teach children how to stay safe from drowning this summer.”

Whether you’re bathing your baby or splashing around with your toddler in the bath, water is great fun for kids. But it’s also a place where safety must come first, so here are a few tips for kids who love to get wet.

  • Never leave your child unattended around water. We know it sounds strict, but there is no room for compromise on this one. It is possible to drown in as little as one inch of water.
  • Put the mobile phone away, forget about all the other things you have to do and give young children 100 percent of your attention when they are near or around water.
  • Empty all tubs, buckets, containers and wading pools immediately after use around the home & farm. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
  • Keep toilet lids closed and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning. It’s also a good idea to keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
  • Parents have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind – and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better.

Swimming is the most popular summer activity and can be enjoyed by young & old. While the best thing you can do to help your family stay safe is to enroll in age-appropriate swim lessons by a fully qualified & insured instructor.

It is important to follow these water safety tips whenever you are in, on or around water:

  • Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Never leave a young child unattended near water
  • Establish water safety rules for your family and enforce them without fail.
  • If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning
  • Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.

 

For more advice Check out Irish water safety 14 Steps to Safe & Enjoyable Swimming Leaflethttp://www.iws.ie/about-us-page44582.html