At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. We also recognize other dangers such as drowning. Summer is in full swing and families are flocking to pools, lakes, rivers and oceans to cool off. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a leading cause of injury death in children ages 1 to 14 years old. Three children die every day as a result of drowning and drowning kills more children ages 1-4 than any other injuries except birth defects. Parents and guardians can play a key role in protecting children from drowning with these 4 tips:
- Life-Saving Skills: Know how to swim yourself. If your child is drowning and a lifeguard is not around, you will be the lifeguard and your child’s life may depend on it. Take an extra step and invest in a Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course. Your decision can mean life or death for your child.
- Life Jackets: If your child is a weaker swimmer, invest in a life jacket. If your child is swimming in lakes, rivers and oceans they should have a life jacket if they are under the age of 13. Unexpected currents and rip tides can cause distress in a swimmer, especially children or weak swimmers.
- Install a Fence: If you have a swimming pool at your home, it’s wise to install a fence or some form of gate around the pool. We know kids can sneak off quickly. You don’t want your toddler or a neighbor child wandering into your pool unattended. We know the tragic stories that this causes unfortunately.
- Bathtub Safety: It seems far-fetched that a child could drown in a bathtub, but unfortunately drowning happens quickly and quietly and it’s possible. Never leave an infant or small child unattended in a bathtub.
When enjoying outdoor water activities and even indoor in the bathtub, please pay attention to your child. A drowning takes very little time and so does reviewing the 4 tips to help protect kids from drowning. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!
