Children drowning risk may increase because of COVID-19
The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging parents and adults taking care of children to take extra measures in safety when kids are around water this summer. They said, "This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as children spend more time at home with caregivers who may be distracted by work and other responsibilities."
“Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and it’s one of the top causes of death for teens. As children are at home more due to social isolation recommendations, they may have more access to pools, bathtubs, and other sources of water – all of which pose a drowning risk,” said pediatrician Ben Hoffman, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Council on Injury, Violence & Poison Prevention.
Tracy Carpenter is the founder of Aquasafe swimming lessons, she said "If a child learns how to swim and be water safe, if they are in a bathtub, a pool, a lake, an ocean, they’re going to have a lot better chance of surviving."
Bruce Stout is a swimming instructor with Aquasafe swimming lessons. He said, "It’s essential that parents keep an eye on their children 100% of the time."
On top of parents being vigilant and watching their kids near water there are other protective measures that can be taken like adding fencing around a pool. Fencing around a pool decreases drowning by over 50%. Stout said, "You never know who is going to be wandering in to your pool." AAP said 70% of drownings happen when it's not swim time.
Stout also recommended, "Don’t buy anything unless it’s coast guard certified." Buying appropriate gear increases safety, but parents should not solely rely on flotation equipment.
Carpenter added, "Children are very naturally ready to swim at a very young age." Their swimming lessons have helped people learn how to swim starting from four months old to 80 years old. They said it is never too late to learn how to swim.
Some swimming lessons are beginning to open back up like Aquasafe swimming lessons. You can give them a call to book your childs swimming lessons for summer! They are offering at home visits and social distancing lessons.
