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SearchAs many pools open up this Memorial Day weekend, a pediatrician goes over how to prevent drownings and keep kids safe in the water.
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CLEVELAND - Are you heading to the pool this Memorial Day weekend?
If you’re bringing kids along, you want to create a plan to keep them safe around the water.
“Drowning prevention has multiple layers to it, and I think it's smart for families to sit down and have a meeting to discuss what those are,” explained Genon Wicina, MD, a pediatrician with Cleveland Clinic Children’s.
Dr. Wicina said the first step is figuring out who’s going to watch the kids at the pool.
Since a drowning can happen in seconds, it needs to be someone who’s not drinking alcohol, on their phone or distracted in any way.
The designated “water watcher” should make sure the kids are taking breaks from swimming and drinking plenty of water as well.
It’s also a good idea to have someone nearby who knows CPR and keep flotation devices handy if needed.
If you have a pool at home, Dr. Wicina added to make sure it’s secure.
“It's not enough to have just a fence around your pool. You need one that’s climb-proof, the right height and has locking gates,” Dr. Wicina said. “There should also be a second barrier of protection, like a floating pool alarm that detects wave action if a child gets in.”
Dr. Wicina said another important layer of protection is having your child take swim lessons, which most kids are ready for by their 4th birthday.
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