Staying safe on the water this summer

Kerry Sease, MD

Pediatrics

As the weather warms up and pools are opening, water safety is extremely important. Pediatrician Kerry Sease, MD, offered advice for enjoying time in a pool or on a boat.

“It’s important to remember that drowning is the number one cause of death for kids age 1 to 4,” she said. “Drowning is silent and it’s quick.”

Here are some safety tips for swimming in a pool:

• A responsible adult who has not been drinking should always watch children in a pool.
• The pool should have a fence around it.
• The fence should be at least four feet tall and the slats between it no more than 4 inches.
• If you’re done and you’re going inside, try to make sure that the gate is locked so kids can’t get back into the pool.
• If you have an above-the-ground pool, take the steps away from it so kids can’t wander out and accidentally get in the pool. 

Here are tips if you’re on a boat:

• Everybody needs to make sure that they have a Coast Guard approved life jacket. There should be a life jacket for each person on the boat.
• Kids under the age of 12 need to wear the life jacket when they’re on the boat.
• Alcohol and water don’t mix. Make sure there’s always somebody who is the designated driver of the boat and also watcher of the kids.