Stay Safe at Area Pools and Beaches This Summer

Augusta, Ga. -- It wouldn't be summer without a visit to the beach or at least to the local pool. And with so many children visiting area pools, lakes and beaches, it could be easy for a parent to become distracted. That's when accidents can happen.

"In the time it takes to answer the phone or to walk a few steps to grab a towel, a child can become submerged and drown," said Rene Hopkins, Coordinator of the East Central Georgia SAFE KIDS Coalition. "Drowning is the second leading cause of injury death among children."

Drowning can occur silently, within minutes, and even when an adult is nearby. It's important for parents and other guardians to remember basic water safety rules and to teach their older children. "But remember, nothing replaces constant adult supervision," said Hopkins.

Hopkins offers the following tips to help kids and parents stay safe in the water this summer:

• Insist on adult supervision. Remember, children can drown in as little as 1 inch of water. If you have to step away, designate another adult who can swim to watch your child or
  bring your child with you. Also, supervisors should not be reading, doing needlework or any other activity that could distract them from constant supervision.
• Teach your children how to swim. But remember that knowing how to swim doesn't make your child "drown-proof."
• Be aware of potential risks. At the beach, be aware of strong currents and sudden changes. At the pool, don't allow your children to dive unless they have learned proper
  techniques and the water is deeper than 9 feet. Also teach children not to go near pool drains, which could trap clothing or hair and pull them under. And remember to empty kiddie pools and store them upside down when not in use.
• Be prepared. Keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers by the pool. Make a point to learn child and adult CPR. Pool alarms, pool covers and fencing (with locked gates) are also good ideas.
• Remember the buddy system. Swimming alone can be dangerous, so teach your children to always swim with at least one other person.
• Use life vests. It's a good idea for children to wear life vests when swimming in lakes, rivers or the ocean and when participating in watersports. Have them practice wearing the life vest in the water so they become accustomed to maneuvering in it.
• Don't drink. For adults, beer may seem like an important part of a fun day at the lake, but it's not a good idea to drink while boating, swimming or diving, particularly if you're supervising children.
• Be courteous. Teach children never to run, push or jump on others around water.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit MCGHealth.org.