Pediatric Water Safety

This summer, keep your children safe by following these guidelines:

• Always have adult supervision when your child is swimming, regardless of swimming skill.
• Adults who are supervising children in the pool should not drink alcohol or have excessive distractions.
• No diving in the shallow end of the pool.
• Make sure both shallow and deep ends are clearly marked.
• No running around the pool. This could cause a sudden fall and/or head trauma that could be detrimental to your child.
• Pools in the backyard should be surrounded by a fence no less than four (4) feet high.
• The pool fence should have a self-latching gate that opens away from the pool.
• Backyard pools could also have an alarm system as an extra safety measure.
• If the pool has a cover, make sure this is completely taken off prior to swimming.
• Do not keep toys near the pool.
• A safety ring with a rope is always great to have near the pool.
• For boating, sailing, or canoeing, your child should always have on a lifejacket.
• Inflatable pools should be emptied and stored away after each use.

Remember, swimming lessons are beneficial but do not prevent drowning since children can drown in a few inches of water.

Water safety guidelines are not limited to the swimming pool. Other potential areas to watch out for include bath tubs, hot tubs, water fountains and fish ponds.

Be safe and have fun this summer.

Dr. Omosede Evbuomwan
MCH Healthy Kids Clinic
3001 JBS Pkwy, Odessa TX 79762
O: (432) 640-6772/F: (432) 640-4708
(Accepting new patients)