Sunny days and warm weather draw us to pools, sprinklers, creeks, and lakes for fun and cooling off. Plus, these are all fun ways for children to play and we know that learning happens through play! Despite all the fun and learning opportunities, keep in mind that water play—whether in your backyard or at the community pool—can be also be dangerous.
May is National Water Safety Month. Water safety is defined as following the procedures, precautions and policies associated with safety in, on and around bodies of water, where there is a risk of injury or drowning. Here are some resources to help keep children safer in and around water this summer for a happy, healthy summer:
- Watch and discuss with your family these kid-friendly water safety videos from the Red Cross
- Consider this prevention guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics: Drowning Prevention for Curious Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know
- Read these tips from ZERO TO THREE: Water Safety for Children
Use Our Checklist As You Search for Summer Care
Finding the right summer child care fit for you and your child can feel like an overwhelming task. One of the ways the 4C for Children Family & Community Services team has made it easier is by creating a checklist of questions you can ask. If possible, speak with several programs and use the checklist questions as an interview resource. Download the checklist. Need help finding care? Reach out to our specialists at 800-256-1296 x1330 or families@4cforchildren.org.
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