Water Safety

ids just seem to be naturally drawn to water. My daughters could spend hours splashing in the tub when they were infants; and now, summer days seem to fly by when we’re at the beach. But as moms, we need to be hyper-vigilant when it comes to water safety.

Drowning is a leading cause of death for infants and children under 4. What’s most disturbing is that, according to a study by the National Safe Kids Council, 88% of drowning victims are under some sort of supervision at the time of their accident. It’s easy to become distracted just for a moment - unfortunately, a drowning incident can happen in seconds.

Below are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re around water with your kids:

Bathtub Safety

• Never leave your child alone in the tub! A child can drown in a matter of minutes in less than 2” of water. If you must leave the bathroom for any reason, take your baby with you. Keep a cordless phone in the bathroom with you at all times. 

• Check the temperature of the bath water. The appropriate temperature is between 96°F and 100°F. Use a bath thermometer to check the temperature and install a scald protector on your faucet. 

• Bath rings and baby bath tubs should not be considered safety devices. As with babyproofing items, these products should not replace constant parental supervision. Rather, they should be considered a bathing aid. Bath rings and tubs should not be used in non-skid or slip-resistant surfaces. The suction on the bottom of the bathtub rings will not stick effectively to non-skid and slip-resistant surfaces. 

• Don’t forget about other hazards in the bathroom. Place locks on toilets and install slow closing lids. Also, make sure trash baskets are kept in a locked vanity. Otherwise, be sure to use tall trashcans with lids.