Babypalooza Summer 2019

1Take a CPR class.
As soon as you know you’re having a child (or if you
have children in your life), you should take a CPR class.
Dr. Monroe says this is the best way to protect your child.
2
Insist your kids wear life jackets.
Anytime children are near water—whether on a boat
or simply spending time on a dock or pier—they need
to wear a properly fitting life jacket that is approved by
the U.S. Coast Guard. Other inflatable devices are not
reliable, according to Dr. Monroe.
3Enroll your children in swim lessons.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “recommends
swim lessons as a layer of protection against
drowning that can begin for many children starting at
age 1” and calls swim lessons “a must for most families”
who have children aged 4 and up. By 4, most children
can learn basic survival skills, including treading water,
floating, and accessing an exit point.
However, Dr. Monroe cautions parents not to treat
swimming ability as a failsafe solution. “Children 4
and under still need to stay in arm’s reach,” she says.
“People can panic in the water.”
1
POOL SAFETY STRATEGIES
“Pool drownings are the most common type we see,”
Dr. Monroe says. Below are some ways to keep your
kids safe while swimming.
1Invest in a fence.
According to the AAP, the most important safety
feature for homes with a pool is a four-sided fence that
surrounds the pool completely and separates it from the
house. Dr. Monroe emphasizes the importance of
2
choosing a solid fence (“Kids can climb chain-link
fences,” she says) and a self-latching gate that young
children can’t easily open.
2
Remove items from the pool.
Dr. Monroe recommends that parents remove toys,
floaties, etc. from the pool when they’re not actively
using it. Leaving items floating in the pool is tempting
for curious toddlers who might want to go in to retrieve
the items, she says.
3
3Don’t rely on floaties.
Arm bands, water wings, and other inflatables can offer
extra buoyancy and make swimming more fun. However,
they can lose air and don’t offer reliable protection.
“Floaties won’t protect a child if they start to drown,”
Dr. Monroe says. “Don’t have a false sense of security.”
Pool Rules
Dr. Monroe calls pool parties “a high-risk
situation.” In a large group of people, many
adults may feel comfortable letting the children
swim … then suddenly people realize
they can’t see one of the kids.
The solution? Designate one adult at a time as the designated
pool watcher (aka lifeguard). This person must give the
pool their full attention—no texting, no talking on the phone,
and no daydreaming. Dr. Monroe even suggests having the pool
watcher wear a lanyard so others will not try to chat. Adults can
take turns so no one misses the entire party.
DROWNING PREVENTION AT HOME
The best way to protect your child at home? “Have a
healthy respect for standing water,” Dr. Monroe says.
Here’s what to watch for.
POOL SAFETY PARENT
Be careful during bath time.
When you bathe your child or toddler, follow the
golden rule: Never leave a child unattended in the tub.
This is non-negotiable. Dr. Monroe suggests gathering
everything you need (towel, phone, etc.) so you never
have a reason to leave the room.
“You have to be hands-on with an infant,”
Dr. Monroe cautions. “Even in a little infant tub, if you
run out to answer the phone, baby can slip underwater,
and they don’t have the muscle tone to get out.”
Use a toilet lock.
Toddlers are curious—and most are fascinated with
water. Dr. Monroe says a toddler may be interested in
a toilet and stick their head in to get a look. Unfortunately,
toddlers are “top heavy” and can’t get back out.
“We see toilet immersion injuries frequently,” she says.
The solution: Install a toilet lock. “They’re cheap and
effective,” Dr. Monroe says. “They keep the child out
while letting adults open the lid.”
Be cautious around ponds and fountains.
A water feature is a beautiful addition to a yard—
however, for families with children, a pond or fountain
can pose a real drowning risk. Dr. Monroe suggests either
waiting until your children are older to install a water
feature or being extremely attentive when your children
are outdoors.
Babypalooza.com 11