
In a letter dated June 6, 2020, Dr. Joseph M. Kanter, Assistant State Health Officer, encouraged colleagues to remember that even with Summer activities being affected by COVID-19, it’s vitally important to keep water safety in mind when it comes to children. Especially since Louisiana has the highest drowning rate for children 1-14 years in the United States, the letter states.
Safety tips that Kanter suggests include:
- Ensure environmental protections like pool fences are in place
- Ensure direct supervision by a lifeguard and or a parent or guardian is provided at all times;
- Life jackets and other safety equipment are used appropriately.
- Prepare families and their children for water by providing swimming lessons.
- Prepare parents and guardians for the potential emergency by taking a CPR training class (see www.cpr.heart.org for a training center in your area).
While 66% of drownings occur in a swimming pool and 16% in natural water, it’s vital to remember drownings can still occur in bathtubs, ponds, sewers, and even buckets.
For more information, you can visit: PoolSafely.gov or https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/injury-topics/ drowning- prevention
