Practicing Water Safety Can Reduce the Risk of Catastrophic Injuries
Accidental drowning is the number-one cause of death among young children in the United States. Near-drownings can cause catastrophic damage to the brain and other organs, leaving a child in need of lifelong care.
With warmer weather on the way, experienced Omaha child injury lawyers strongly urge parents and caregivers to keep water safety in mind. Whether you are traveling to a lake or river, striking out for the ocean shore, or simply playing in a backyard pool or hot tub, put water safety first to ensure that kids and adults have a safe and enjoyable time.
Safe Kids Worldwide recommends that adults follow these and other safety tips:
- Never leave a child unattended around water. Young children can drown in as little as one inch of water and may suffer permanent or fatal damage in less than sixty seconds. Don't leave kids unattended even for a minute.
- Always empty water containers after use. Whether it's the baby's bathtub or a portable pool, always empty the water immediately after use and store the container upside-down.
- Encourage swim classes and PFDs. Signing children up for age-appropriate swim classes helps them gain confidence and learn life-saving skills in the water. If children cannot swim or will be boating, require them to wear Coast-Guard-approved personal floatation devices (PFDs).
- Learn CPR and first aid. Child and adult CPR and first aid classes will prepare you to prevent many kinds of injuries, including drowning, and to take proper steps if an accident occurs. In a drowning or near-drowning scenario, every second counts. Preparation from a CPR and first aid class could help you save a life.
The legal team at Cullan & Cullan LLC wishes everyone a safe and eventful summer.