April is Water Safety Month!
Warm weather is quickly approaching and water is a great way to beat the Texas heat. Water Safety Month exists to create water safety awareness and prevent water-related injuries and deaths. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among infants, toddlers, and young children so we want to remind you to keep an extra close eye on kids around the water.
You play an important role in preventing future tragedies. In 2014 seventy-three children drowned in Texas. The deadliest period for drowning (Memorial Day through Labor Day) is about to begin and seven children have drowned in Texas so far in 2015. The best water safety assurance comes from adopting and consistently practicing as many water safety measures as possible. Develop your own safety plan around pools, ponds, lakes, the ocean, and other bodies of water, and review it with your family. Everyone should know your safety plan and practice it regularly.
Be a “lifeguard” and help protect children from drowning indoors and outdoors. Drowning can happen in almost any amount of water, and it only takes a few minutes for a child to drown. Children under a year old most often drown inside the house (bathtubs, buckets, or toilets). Children from one to four-years old most often drown outdoors, especially in backyard swimming pools.
Keep these things in mind while you and your family are cooling off in the water this year. We want everyone to have a safe and happy summer!
This post adapted from a notice by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.