Read our monthly parenting e-newsletter for May 2022, featuring tips and strategies for families with young children.
Spring is here, which also means summer is right around the corner. With warmer weather approaching, the thought of being in and near water is on a lot of our minds. Water experiences can be a great way to relax with your family but it can also be dangerous.
Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children ages 1 to 4 years and is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children 19 years old and under. Also, children less than a year old are more likely to drown in the bathtub or a bucketAlthough these numbers can be frightening, the good news is there are some things that you as a caregiver to young children can do to help prevent water-related accidents.
- Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted by your phone, conversations or chores. Be within an arm’s length from children when they are around water.
- Empty bathtubs, buckets, containers and kids’ pools immediately after use. When possible, close store empty containers and pools upside down and out of children’s reach.
- Install fences around home pools. A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.
- Close lids and doors. Keep toilet lids and doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed when not in use.
- Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills. It is important to know how to respond in an emergency without putting yourself at risk.
- Consider enrolling in swim classes for both you and your child. It is never too late to become a strong swimmer.
Playing in or near water can be fun and relaxing, whether it spending time in a pool on a hot summer day or taking a warm bath at the end of the day. Get the most out of water experiences by taking precautions and educating yourself and your children about water safety.
- Things You Can Do to Keep Children Safe
- Water Safety for Children via Zero to Three
- Free Swim Lessons (Cincinnati area)
Learn Through Play Daily Activities: May
Help children learn through play by using one of the following age-specific monthly calendars that feature daily activities.
- Learn Through Play Calendar: Infant
- Learn Through Play Calendar: Toddler
- Learn Through Play Calendar: Preschool
