ids just seem to be naturally drawn to water. My daughters could spend hours splashing in the tub when they were infants; and now, summer days seem to fly by when we’re at the beach. But as moms, we need to be hyper-vigilant when it comes to water safety.

Drowning is a leading cause of death for infants and children under 4. What’s most disturbing is that, according to a study by the National Safe Kids Council, 88% of drowning victims are under some sort of supervision at the time of their accident. It’s easy to become distracted just for a moment - unfortunately, a drowning incident can happen in seconds.

Below are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re around water with your kids:

Bathtub Safety

• Never leave your child alone in the tub! A child can drown in a matter of minutes in less than 2” of water. If you must leave the bathroom for any reason, take your baby with you. Keep a cordless phone in the bathroom with you at all times. 

• Check the temperature of the bath water. The appropriate temperature is between 96°F and 100°F. Use a bath thermometer to check the temperature and install a scald protector on your faucet. 

• Bath rings and baby bath tubs should not be considered safety devices. As with babyproofing items, these products should not replace constant parental supervision. Rather, they should be considered a bathing aid. Bath rings and tubs should not be used in non-skid or slip-resistant surfaces. The suction on the bottom of the bathtub rings will not stick effectively to non-skid and slip-resistant surfaces. 

• Don’t forget about other hazards in the bathroom. Place locks on toilets and install slow closing lids. Also, make sure trash baskets are kept in a locked vanity. Otherwise, be sure to use tall trashcans with lids. 

Pool Safety
Make sure your pool is secure when not in use. It's important to have layers of safety. 

• Install a door alarm to warn you if your child has opened the door leading to the pool. And use an alarm in the pool itself.

• Install a fence around the entire perimeter of your pool. This should be approximately 2 ft from the edge of the water and preferably 5 ft high. There should also be a self-closing and self-locking gate.

• Clear the area of any riding toys and chairs that your child could use as leverage to climb over the fence.

• Install a power safety cover over the pool that meets established standards.

• For above ground pools, be sure steps and ladders leading to the pool are secured and locked when not in use.

 
Beach Safety

• Make sure you read any posted surf warnings and have your children swim only in areas where a lifeguard is on duty.

• Older kids who are swimming by themselves should understand the dangers of the undertow and what to do if they get caught in it (swim parallel to shore until you get past the affected area - don't try to swim against it!).

Kids and Water

• In many drowning instances, one parent thought the other was watching the child. Have the parent who is in charge wear a wrist band as a visual reminder that he or she is “on duty."

• Keep a cordless phone near the pool so you don't have to leave the area to answer a call.

• If you are having a pool party with a group of kids, establish a buddy system. Every 10 minutes yell, "Buddy Check!" and have each child find his buddy.

• Avoid using flotation devices as this can give your child a false sense of security.

• If your child has had swimming lessons, never assume this means he or she can't drown!

Most importantly, make sure that anyone who cares for your child is certified in infant and toddler CPR and First Aid.

Visit The Cradle’s Local Resources to find CPR classes near you.