Childhood Drownings: Grandparents Babysitting During Covid-19 Need Reminders

Many grandparents have relocated to warmer climates upon retirement and have backyard pools on their property. Also many grandparents are helping their family out by picking up and babysitting grandchildren. The MDM Aquatics Safety/Training & Consulting, LLC, National Drowning Prevention Alliance and the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s vision to make “Every Child a Swimmer” ™️ wants to remind grandparents and children on 4 important points: Be Safe, Research and Homework, Facts, and Take Action.

Home Swimming Pool Safety Tips For Grandparents and Children

Pool-Safety

23% of child drownings
happened during a family gathering at
the swimming pool.

Pool Barriers

Florida and Arizona are 2 states that have created their own individual pool fence laws. Most municipalities now require this for everyone, including pool owners who don’t have children. And if you own a home with a pool, your homeowner’s policy may require it as well. Essentially, for pool safety, it’s all about perimeter control. Barriers such as fences, gate & pool alarms, self-latching gates, and safe pool covers add an extra layer of protection. The more barriers, the more likely a tragedy can be prevented.

Making sure there are proper barriers around your pool is a great first step. Even with these barriers in place, don’t underestimate the ability of a determined toddler combined with the lure of a pool. Consider installing door alarms on all doors leading outside and don’t forget to block the doggie door. Fences can be climbed and covers can be crawled under.

Water Watcher

Active Adult supervision is the best protection against drowning. Never take your eyes off children who are in or around bodies of water. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance has developed the “Water Watcher” program.

Always designate a “Water Watcher”!
If the water watcher steps away, they must hand off to another qualified person.
This does not mean: being on the phone, reading a book, or talking with friends while watching the grandkids.

Complete focus needs to be on the grandchildren in the water. 23% of child drownings happen during a family gathering near the pool. By choosing a capable Water Watcher, you can reduce the risk of drowning and save lives.

Take Action

Make sure your grandchildren take swim lessons. Bonding occurs when you and your grandchildren take swim lessons together. There are many places that offer lessons, but no matter how good your grandchild can swim, you must still practice strict vigilance in watching grandchildren in the water!

It’s also a good idea for everyone to know how to swim. You never know when it might save a life.

Have an Emergency Action Plan and include all family members. Teach children how to call 9-1-1 and tell them to always get an adult to help.

Even young kids can be told the rules, never go into the pool without a grown up! Although they should have this rule repeated often, as kids learn with repetition. Don’t count on them obeying. Don’t allow children to do extended breath holding in the water. This can be dangerous and they could experience shallow water black out. It is important that kids do not ingest too much water. It could lead to dry water drowning. Know what to look for because it may require medical assistance.

pool safety

Poor Flotation Devices

Know How To Respond to an Emergency

If an adult or child is missing, always check the pool first because seconds count!
Always take a phone with you to the pool in case you need to call for help.
Don’t let your phone be a distraction.

Click Here To Download and Print out This Presentation For Your Home And Family

Safety Training
Special Thanks to David Duda for contributing to this article.

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Childhood Drownings: Grandparents Babysitting During Covid-19 Need Reminders

Home Swimming Pool Safety Tips For Grandparents and Children

23% of child drownings
happened during a family gathering at
the swimming pool.

Always designate a “Water Watcher”!
If the water watcher steps away, they must hand off to another qualified person.
This does not mean: being on the phone, reading a book, or talking with friends while watching the grandkids.

Know How To Respond to an Emergency

Childhood Drownings: Grandparents Babysitting During Covid-19 Need Reminders

Home Swimming Pool Safety Tips For Grandparents and Children

23% of child drownings happened during a family gathering at the swimming pool.

Always designate a “Water Watcher”! If the water watcher steps away, they must hand off to another qualified person. This does not mean: being on the phone, reading a book, or talking with friends while watching the grandkids.

Know How To Respond to an Emergency

23% of child drownings
happened during a family gathering at
the swimming pool.

Always designate a “Water Watcher”!
If the water watcher steps away, they must hand off to another qualified person.
This does not mean: being on the phone, reading a book, or talking with friends while watching the grandkids.