At CHOC, we’re passionate about keeping your kids safe–especially around water. Children and water can be a fatal combination. Drowning is a quick, silent event. A child can drown in as little as two inches of water. Please watch the above video for tips about how to be water safe to ensure a safe and memorable summer:

• Never leave children alone in or near water, even a shallow wading pool.  Children can drown in as little as two inches of water and it can happen in a matter of seconds. A child will lose consciousness two minutes after submersion, with irreversible brain damage occurring within four to six minutes.
• Assign a “water watcher” who knows how to swim and can provide supervision of children in the water.
• Place pool safety barriers, such as isolation fences, self-closing and self-latching locks, and pool covers, between your child and the pool.
• Never assume your child is “drown-proof,” even if the child has had swimming lessons.
• Place a phone, life-saving ring and shepherds hook at poolside.
• Remove toys in and around the pool when it’s not in use to avoid any temptation for your child.
• Drain waters from wading pools and water buckets when not being used.
• Flotation devices, such as water wings, are considered toys and are not a substitute for adult supervision.
• Water safety also includes sun safety.  Make sure your children are wearing waterproof sunscreen of at least SPF 30.
• Protect feet from hot sand and sharp objects by having them wear water-safe shoes.

To learn more about water safety or to have a staff member from CHOC Children’s Community Education Department come to your group of parents and caregivers of children under the age of 5, please call 714-532-8887.