July 2, 2007

A Day at the Beach

It makes no difference whether you summer in Capri or Coney Island: The water can be a dangerous place for any kid. Drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years.

Sharyn Harrison, aquatics director at New York City’s West Side YMCA, shares some tips on what parents can do to keep their kids safe around the water:

Supervision: Even if lifeguards are present, do not permit children to enter the water without supervision. Parents with a child under 8 should always be within arm’s reach. Water wings are no substitute for your watchful eyes and assistance. Any child wearing a flotation device in the water should be accompanied by an adult.

Rules: Have your kids follow them. For water park activities, be aware of special height and weight requirements, the depth of the water, as well as your child’s swimming ability. And feet first on the slides! Also know the water depth before allowing diving.

Equipment: If you have a private pool, keep rescue gear and a phone nearby. Install a self-locking gate at the pool entrance to bar curious young explorers from gaining unsupervised access.

Safety Training: Learn CPR and first aid skills.

Beach Conditions: Allow swimming only when a lifeguard is on duty, and make sure kids swim in front of the lifeguard stand. Be aware of special conditions – rough water, high waves, an undertow – that can make frolicking in the surf more difficult. Teach kids that if they are caught in a rip current they should swim parallel to the shoreline until released and then head back to shore.

No matter what beach you call home this summer, be safe.

For more information, visit redcross.org.

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