Guidelines For Water Safety

From 1990 to 2000, drowning was the second leading cause of accidental death among United States children ages 1 to 19. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a Policy Statement on the Prevention of Drowning in Infants, Children and Adolescents, and Dr. Danielle Laraque talked about it on The Early Show Monday.

Here are some guidelines that are included in the new policy statement:

Safety Recommendations: Infant through Age 4:

• Never leave children alone, whether in tub, pool, spa, wading pool or other open standing water. Ifant bath seats and supporting rings are not substitutes for adult supervision. Remove water from buckets. Even toilet is a danger.
• An adult should always be within arm's length of a child -- and not multi-tasking.
• Have a fence if you have a pool. A four-sided fence, at least four feet high and climb-resistant (iron vs. chain link) can prevent more than 50 percent of swimming pool drownings in young children. Pool covers, alarms, and other devices are just not as effective.
• Though there are a multitude of classes for infants, "water babies," swimming lessons are not really effective until a child reaches age 4. (Maturity varies in children, so for some it can be younger and for children, especially ones with special needs, the age can be much older.) But swimming lessons do not "drown proof" your child.
• Learn CPR.
• Water-wings are not nearly as effective as life preservers.
• Pediatricians should also talk to parents about the facilities away from home a child may go to (camp, friend's or neighbor's house, etc). Parents should find out if there is a pool or other water site and what the adult-to-child ration is for correct supervision.

• Swimming lessons are essential — and in all kinds of water. A pool is one thing, but swimming in an ocean offers the dangers of treacherousundercurrents.
• A child this age should know to never swim alone or without adult supervision
• Children of all ages should always wear a life jacket if on a boat
• Teach your child to know how deep the water is. Diving injuries can be catastrophic. Feet first is always a good policy.
• Finally, explain the dangers of drowning in winter, if ice on a lake or other body of water gives way. This should be avoided.

And it's a very good idea for teenagers to learn CPR.

In addition to advising parents and other caregivers, pediatricians can help by working in their communities to safeguard the public pools (even pools in hotels) by requiring fences and lifeguards certified in CPR. Also, pediatricians should support laws prohibiting alcohol and drug use by boaters. Working within their community, pediatricians can help develop effective emergency medical services for drowning victims.

And finally, if the worst thing happens, and a child drowns, pediatricians should offer counseling services, or recommend an appropriate counselor, to the victim's family and friends.