June is National Safety Month and all month long we’ll be blogging about different safety topics. This time each year, people around the country take extra time to make their home and business just a little bit safer. By investing just a little bit of time and effort, you can improve the safety of your space for everyone. Take the time this month to do a walk-through of your home or office. Is there a project you’ve been putting off but keep reminding yourself each time that you’ll do it later? Why not take care of it this month, during National Safety Month? Check out more information about National Safety Month from the National Safety Council and for additional resources.
Our first topic is related to water safety. The weather is heating up around the country and more people are spending time outside, especially in the water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is a leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4, and the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages. However, if you take the necessary steps to reduce you and your children’s risk for injury, you can avoid becoming a statistic.
Pool Safety:
Swimming Lessons- It’s important for children to have swimming lessons at an early age. Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88% among young children aged 1 to 4 years, who are at greatest risk of drowning.
CPR training- CPR can save someone’s life. Local Red Cross’, YMCA’s and other organizations often offer CPR training classes. It’s a good idea to get certified, especially if you have young children. Be sure to get recertified every two years.
Establish rules- Establish rules with your children about the water. Ensure they always ask for permission first before going in or near the water.
Rescue equipment- Keep a shepherds hook nearby at all times in case of an emergency in the pool area.
Lake and Ocean Safety:
Life Jackets- Water wings, inner-tubes, etc. will not keep you save from drowning, but life jackets will. Even if you know how to swim it’s still imperative you wear a life jacket when out in the lake, ocean or any other body of water.
Avoid alcohol- Alcohol impairs judgment and affects your balance, coordination and swimming skills. Limit the use of alcohol near any body of water.
Buddy system- Always swim with a buddy that way if you are unable to ask for help or in trouble, someone else will be there to assist you. Even if you’re in a pool with a lifeguard, always use the buddy system.
Regardless of what kind of water you’re around, it’s imperative that children are supervised at any age by an adult, even if lifeguards are present.
