If you have a fountain or a pool at your house or apartment, the Drexel Heights Fire District says it's important to teach your kids about water safety to keep them out of trouble in the summer. The first line of defense is having a fence that's at least 5 feet tall with a self closing latch.
Teaching your kids to get a parent to go with them if they want to go outside can keep them from wandering alone. This is especially important on holidays and weekends, when families have big gatherings.
"We kind of have this false sense of security like we're super safe because we have all these adults out here with the kids but no one is designated to watch the water, and it's silent when a child goes under the water," said Tracy Koslowski of the Drexel Heights Fire Department. "There's not a cry for help and sometimes not even a splash." This is why it's critical to have one person designated to watch the water at all times, she said.
Another hazard is getting dehydrated while swimming. If you and your kids aren't drinking water, you will lose fluids, which can lead to cramping. The fire department recommends you and your kids drink not only water but electrolytes as well.
Some other quick tips to keep your family safe this summer:
- Keep a phone by the pool so you can call 911 in an emergency.
- Dump out any standing water around your yard. Kids can drown in just inches of water.
- Drink extra water in the days before you'll be spending time outdoors. You can be dehydrated without any physical activity.
The Drexel Heights Fire District is offering FREE CPR classes to anyone on certain Saturdays this summer. Call (520) 883-4341 for more information or click HERE for dates and times.
