6 Tips to protect our children from drowning

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3) BE YOUR CHILD’S LIFEGUARD

I strongly believe that parents are ultimately our children’s lifeguards. For instance even though we know that our watchman is a trained security professional, we all know that there are additional precautions we take to protect our families at home. This is the best way to think of it when swimming. Even if there is an active lifeguard on duty, while it may take 3-4 minutes for someone to die under water, submersion (going under water when they are not that visible) happens in under 60 seconds.

IN ADDITION TO ENSURING THERE IS AN ACTIVE LIFEGUARD ON DUTY, TAKE TURNS EVERY 30 MINUTES AS THE ADULTS TO WATCH YOUR CHILDREN SWIM. PUBLIC POOLS ARE OFTEN CROWDED BUT WITH YOUR EYE ON YOUR CHILD AT ALL TIMES WILL ENSURE EARLY DETECTION OF ANY ISSUE.

This doesn’t mean you have to be in there with them if they swim well and are playing with friends but you should have an unobstructed view and your full focus on them. This means NOT multitasking on other things. We should all also look out for other children – we know it takes a village so if you see something off, say something to the lifeguard or another adult. Please do not assume that others have seen it. Make sure you also do a quick perimeter check for security issues when  you first arrive, even if it is an upscale resort.

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