Finally, a parent can never go wrong with these two words: “be
prepared.” You never know when an accident might happen. Teach your
children what to do in the face of an emergency, such as the importance
of dialing 9-1-1. Come up with a game plan the entire family can
follow.
Take classes, create a list of emergency contacts and teach your child to swim as soon as it’s feasible. (See OC Family's Early Years page for more information about swim instruction.)
“We
are all human. We all make mistakes, so parents need to have a
conservative approach to water,” says Johnson. “Parents need to be
diligent in teaching water safety in their households.”
Beth Hartnett is an intern for OC Family magazine.
KEY WATER SAFETY TIPS Take extra measures to make sure your child is safe this summer.
> Supervise at all times. It only takes two seconds for a child to drown.
>
Flotation devices should never substitute for supervision. Always keep
an eye on your child while near water, both inside and outside of your
home.
> Sign up for local CPR classes. Respond immediately with learned rescue skills.
> Keep an emergency phone at hand. Your cell phone may be your lifeline.
>
Have a “safety night” with your kids. Before going to that school pool
party, have a game night in which your family can learn the importance
of pool rules and emergency plans.