{"id":438425,"date":"2020-07-02T11:31:05","date_gmt":"2020-07-02T18:31:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=438425"},"modified":"2024-10-28T11:26:46","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T18:26:46","slug":"childhood-drownings-grandparents-babysitting-during-covid-19-need-reminders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/childhood-drownings-grandparents-babysitting-during-covid-19-need-reminders\/","title":{"rendered":"Childhood Drownings: Grandparents Babysitting During Covid-19 Need Reminders"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many grandparents have relocated to warmer climates upon retirement and have backyard pools on their property.\u00a0 Also many grandparents are helping their family out by picking up and babysitting grandchildren.\u00a0 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” \u2122\ufe0f wants to remind grandparents and children on 4 important points: Be Safe, Research and Homework, Facts, and Take Action.<\/p>\n

Home Swimming Pool Safety Tips For Grandparents and Children<\/h2>\n

\"Pool-Safety\"<\/p>\n

\n

\"Avoid-Drowning\"<\/h2>\n

23% of child drownings<\/strong><\/span>
\nhappened during a family gathering at<\/strong><\/span>
\nthe swimming pool.<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"Slide7\"<\/p>\n

\"Pool<\/p>\n

Florida and Arizona are 2 states that have created their own individual pool fence laws.\u00a0 \u00a0Most municipalities now require this for everyone, including pool owners who don\u2019t have children.\u00a0 And if you own a home with a pool, your homeowner\u2019s policy may require it as well.\u00a0 Essentially, for pool safety, it\u2019s all about perimeter control. Barriers such as fences, gate & pool alarms, self-latching gates, and safe pool covers add an extra layer of protection.\u00a0 The more barriers, the more likely a tragedy can be prevented.<\/p>\n

Making sure there are proper barriers around your pool is a great first step. Even with these barriers in place, don\u2019t 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\u2019t forget to block the doggie door.\u00a0 \u00a0Fences can be climbed and covers can be crawled under.<\/p>\n

\"Water<\/p>\n

Active Adult supervision is the best protection against drowning.\u00a0 Never take your eyes off children who are in or around bodies of water. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance has developed the \u201cWater Watcher\u201d program.<\/p>\n

\n

Always designate a \u201cWater Watcher\u201d!<\/span>
\nIf the water watcher steps away, they must hand off to another qualified person.<\/span>
\nThis does not mean: being on the phone, reading a book, or talking with friends while watching the grandkids.<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Complete focus needs to be on the grandchildren in the water. 23% of child drownings happen during a family gathering near the pool.\u00a0 By choosing a capable Water Watcher, you can reduce the risk of drowning and save lives.<\/p>\n

\"Take<\/p>\n

Make sure your grandchildren take swim lessons.\u00a0 Bonding occurs when you and your grandchildren take swim lessons together.\u00a0 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!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a good idea for everyone to know how to swim. You never know when it might save a life.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Even young kids can be told the rules, never go into the pool without a grown up!\u00a0<\/strong> Although they should have this rule repeated often, as kids learn with repetition.\u00a0 Don\u2019t count on them obeying.\u00a0 Don\u2019t allow children to do extended breath holding in the water.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

\"pool<\/p>\n

\"Poor<\/p>\n

Know How To Respond to an Emergency<\/h2>\n