- The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to use "touch supervision," meaning that children under the age of 5 should always be within arms reach of an adult. Older children need constant supervision as well and should never be entrusted to watch a younger child. Distractions such as using the phone, reading or talking can impair an adult's ability to safely supervise children.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recently revised its policy to include a statement that children as young as age 1 can be protected from drowning by taking swimming lessons. Ann Shindler, director of Starfish Swim School in Denver, advises parents to choose swimming lessons with experienced teachers, small group sizes and warm water. Additionally, adults should take a CPR class.
- Because home pools are the most common site of drownings, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to wait to install a pool until children are at least 5 years old. Pools should include layers of protection, including isolated barrier fences, alarms and locks. Parents should take a water rescue class and keep a cell phone with them at all times. If a child is missing, parents are advised to check the pool first because drowning is a silent event that takes less than two minutes.
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