AL (WHNT) — Summer is just around the corner and now is the time to educate your kids about water safety.
This comes days after the release of a new CDC report revealing that drownings are on the rise: “Incidental drowning rates were significantly higher” in 2020, 2021, and 2022 compared to 2019, according to the report.
According to the CDC, drownings were most common among children ages 1 to 4.
Decatur Fire and Rescue (DFR) tells News 19 that they are seeing an increase in water rescue calls as summer approaches.
“This time of year, especially when water parks and people start opening up their pools, it definitely makes this infection more prevalent,” DFR Lt. Brandon Sibley said.
Shively said anyone with a backyard pool or who spends a lot of time near water should learn CPR. He also said parents should always keep an eye on their children when near or in water.
“Please, please, please make sure there is a child or something near water that you are supervising or that someone is supervising that child. Never leave your eyes unattended when you are near water. Please.'' he said. “Be prepared and know what to do in the event of a water emergency, how to react, what to do, and of course always call 911.”
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance recognizes May as National Water Safety Month. They are reminding people who own pools to ensure they comply with all local and state-wide safety requirements. It also recommends keeping the pool covered when not in use and surrounding the pool with a fence on all sides.
We also encourage families to teach their children to swim.
The swimming safety experts at Goldfish Swim School in Madison recommend enrolling your child in swimming lessons from an early age.
“Water safety is essential because it's a lifesaving skill,” said Kylie Beckwith of Goldfish Swimming School. “The sooner you start, the better.”
She told News 19 now is the perfect time to start. “It's really important for children to be safe in the water, especially as it gets hotter as we head into summer.”
If children are not strong swimmers, Beckwith recommends parents equip their children with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when in or near water.
Beckwith also said that what you dress your child in is important in an emergency.
“We also recommend that children wear light-colored swimsuits, staying away from blue tints so they can be identified faster in case they fall into the pool,” she said.
Goldfish Swim School of Madison will hold a free Water Safety Day celebration on Saturday. Hours are 2:30pm to 4:30pm. Families are encouraged to attend and learn about swimming safety.
