Water Safety Tips for Parents DC

Did you know that a child under the age of 4 is 14 times more likely to die in a swimming pool than in an automobile accident? You may think you're supervising your kids, but here's an unsettling fact: A parent is usually nearby when a child drowns. Make swim time safer with these musts.

1. Don't lose sight of your child--even for a few seconds--when she's in or near water. If she's under 5, an adult should always be within arm's length.

2. Remember that swimming lessons (although a great idea) won't "drownproof" your child.

3. Don't use air-filled or foam toys as life preservers.

4. Teach children to stay away from pool and hot tub drains. Install anti-entrapment drain covers.

5. Clear out pool toys when the day's over. They might tempt a child to reach in when no one's around.

6. Tell your child not to dive into water that's less than 9 feet deep.

7. Surround pools and hot tubs with fencing at least 5 feet high. Don't rely on pool alarms and covers to keep kids safe, though they're a good extra safeguard.

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