Anyone can Drown, No One Should

It’s #WorldDrowningPreventionDay

A long time ago – more years than I care to count – I was an open water lifeguard. I really love the water, and I take my boys to the beach whenever we get the chance.

Every year in Ireland, there is needless loss of young life from drownings when the weather gets warm. Let’s talk water safety..

#BeAWaterWatcher. I cannot emphasize this enough. Accidents in water happen SO fast! You cannot be too vigilant with your children in the water.

An adult should ALWAYS be present and supervising, even if there are lifeguards present. The supervising adult should be sober and fully engaged in supervising (not on the phone. don’t worry -the mini-digital detox is good for you). Take turns with other adults. The adult should be close to babies and toddlers at all times.

Even in your back garden paddling pool: Remember babies and toddlers can drown in as little as 3-6 cm of water, so careful even with paddling pools or on the edge of water on the beach.

Teach your child from early age about water safety. Find resources for all ages Water Safety Ireland

Prevent tragedy: Do not go swimming alone, in unsupervised water or in water that is not safe for swimming. No, this will not make you popular. Talk to your teen about rip tides, unsafe practices such as challenging friends to go beyond comfort level in water. Help them feel comfortable enough to say “no” to being pushed beyond their comfort or ability in water. Make sure they have learned to swim from a qualified instructor. Teach them to never mix alcohol and water activities.

Do not allow your children to rely on float aids or inflatable toys as life preservers. Use an approved life jacket. Inflatables can be dangerous in open water as they can quickly and easily be pulled away from shore by a rip tide.

Know boating and small craft safety. Don’t mix water sports and alcohol. Every child out on a boat – that includes inflatable paddleboards – should have a properly fitting, approved life jacket on at all times.

#ShoutReachThrow #watersafety #summersafety #FactsNotFears