In my last post, I was sharing about how to respond if drowning occurred. But prevention always better than treatment. So, it is always important to build layers of protection.
Supervise in the water
By a responsible adult
All of the time
All of your attention
Constant visual contact
Be close-touch supervision for the under 5 years old
Be prepared
Never leave even for a minutes
Supervision does not mean
By another child or young person
By an adult affected by alcohol or drugs
By an occasional glance
While you are distracted(texting, talking etc)
Not being in close proximity
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Restrict access
Barrier provides a physical separation of the child to restrict access to dams, creeks, water troughs, irrigation channels etc. It is also advisable to put a warning signboard. A warming to a public not going into a restrict area. Build fences to prevent people accidentally dropping in water while passing-by. Always have a child safety fence and self-latching gates near the home.It is not a legislative obligation but it is to ensure the safety of your family.
Water awareness
Water awareness is an important life skill for all children and also adults .Parents should always set rules that promote water safety. It is good for parents to let your children learn swimming. Knowing the child's survival skills and capability in water such as floating, treading water and swim survival strokes. Both you and the older child being able to recognize and avoid danger in and around water.
Water awareness can include a range of strategies:
Older non-swimmers: Requires urgent formal and informal opportunities to learn both water awareness and water skills.
Pre-schoolers: Having fun in the water with the child, and considering enrolment in a water familiarisation program.
Babies and toddlers: Using bath time to familiarise child with water.
Resuscitate
Have the knowledge and ability to rescue a child without risking your life.
Have an emergency action plan
Many children are alive today because their parents or carers knew how to perform CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation)
A CPR chart must be located in the pool area
In a drowning situation, any CPR action is better than no action.
Accreditation at CPR course takes only 4 hours
When supervising an aquatic activity, have a phone beside you.
If a child's whereabouts are unknown, search all water hazards first.
Learning CPR may be critical for rural communities when ambulatory services are further away
Teach children how to contact emergency services.
Standard water safety signs
Aqua Codes
Swim Together- Always swim with a group and tell them where you are going.
Float and Waves- If you get into trouble in the water, try to stay calm. Roll onto your back, wave one arm and shout for help.
Reach to rescue- Lie flat and reach out with a stick or throw them an aid.
Don't put your life on the line
-Tell someone where you are going
-Never fish alone
-Observe first, fish later
-Know the area, know the condition
-Wear appropriate clothing
-Plan your escape
-Use appropriate Public Safety Equipment
-Stay alert
!!! If you drown!!!
- Stay calm, swim away from the rocks and remove any heavy or waterlogged clothing. Float on your back and await rescue, or if you're capable, swim ashore to the safe area you identified from your initial observations.
!!! If you someone else drown!!!
- Do not jump in if someone is washed into the water. Use your rope or something that floats to help rescue the person. If there's public safety equipment nearby, know how to use it. Dial emergency hotline or the local Sea Rescue to get help.