Tuesday, February 28, 2006
CHILD SAFETY AND DROWNING PREVENTION
All parents and child care givers are encouraged to be more careful in their everyday responsibilities. Accidental death is the leading cause of death in children 14 and under, and is highly preventable if proper measures are taken and supervision remains a priority.
There is no replacing appropriate adult supervision. Most young children do not understand the dangers that exist around them and it is the responsibility of those in charge to watch them and play an active part in keeping them safe. It is great that we have the opportunity to come together and share ideas on ways to reduce the number of accidents each year.
Safe Kids Florida is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. They advise parents and care givers to take precautions when supervising children. Following the tips below can help them in properly supervising children.
- Never leave children alone near water.
- Tell children never to run, push, or jump on others near water.
- Learn infant and child CPR.
- Children should always wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets.
- Inflatable inner tubes and water wings are not safety devices.
- Keep toilet lids down.
- Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
- Children in baby baths seats and rings must be within arms reach every second.
- Teach children to swim after age 4.
- Make sure children swim within designated swimming areas of rivers, lakes and oceans.
Safe Kids Florida works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children 14 and under. Safe Kids Florida is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury.
For more information on Safe Kids, visit http://www.safekids.org/ .
