Summer is here! Keep your kids safe in the water.
As temperatures rise in Southern California, water activities become a favorite activity for families. However, it’s crucial to remember that drowning remains the leading cause of injury-related deaths for children 0-5 years old. First 5 San Bernardino is dedicated to promoting water safety through its “Kid Safe Summer” campaign, offering resources and guidelines to ensure children’s safety during water play.
ABCs of Water Safety
Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children under 5. Know the ABCs of Water Safety and never leave a child unsupervised around water.
“A” stands for active adult supervision. Children should always be supervised by a designated “water watcher” when playing in the pool.
“B” stands for barriers; proper fencing, enclosures, latches, locks and alarms around the area of water should be actively used when children are nearby without supervision
“C” is for classes; CPR programs are available to adults through the Red Cross, fire departments or other community organizations. Swimming lessons are offered for children and adults throughout the county through parks and recreation departments or many YMCAs.
Swimming Lessons, CPR Classes & Water Watcher Tags to Keep Kids Safe
If you have kids, consider enrolling them in swim lessons—it’s an investment in their safety and well-being. Check out this list of swim lessons and CPR classes in your area.
Adult supervision is a must anytime children are in or near water. Be proactive: Designate an adult who commits to remain vigilant about actively watching the children. Add this tag to a lanyard to use as a visual reminder who is in charge of watching the kids. Be present with keeping kids safe in the water this summer.
Stay Visible in the Water
What your little one wears in the water can make a bigger difference than you may think. In busy pools, murky lakes and open water, bright, high-visibility swimsuit colors can help Water Watchers spot children more quickly.
Which colors stand out most?
Bright neon shades like yellow, orange, hot pink and lime green are generally the easiest to see in and around water. Lower-contrast colors like light blue, gray, white and teal can blend into water, shadows or reflections, making children harder to spot at a glance.
Take a look at the Swimsuit Visibility Chart from our friends at San Bernardino City Parks and Recreation to see how different colors appear in pool and open-water environments.
Swimsuit visibility works best alongside proper flotation gear, swim lessons and following the ABCs of water safety. A brighter swimsuit won’t replace active supervision, but it can be one more smart step to help keep your child visible while enjoying the water.
Additional resources:
Use the Proper Floatation Gear
Did you know that inflatable “floaties” are not safe for toddlers and young children for swimming? They are not a substitute for U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets and can give children and parents a false sense of security.
Look for U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets or “puddle jumpers” for small children in a pool, and of course, whenever in boat. But never use a flotation device as a stand-in for active supervision. You’re always your child’s best lifeguard. No device will ever provide the drowning prevention protection that you can.
Only use baby and toddler pool floats when you are in the water with your child. Remember these devices can give kids a false sense of confidence in the water.