The mission of the Children’s Safety Village is to save children’s lives, protect families and support the development of safer communities by providing unique and innovative safety programs that actively engage children and families throughout Central Florida.
Your child’s understanding of water safety may save his/her life. In Florida, water recreation and activities are a part of everyday lives and provide hours of enjoyment and exercise for our children.
Did you Know…
Florida consistently leads the nation in drowning deaths among young children ages 1 to 4.Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death among children 1 to 14 in Florida.Statistics show that 58% of drowning deaths of young children happen in the single-family residential swimming pool.A non-fatal drowning can cause brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities.
Please review the following important Water Safety Tips…
At Home…
Never leave children unattended in the bathtub Empty any container, tub or bucket that has standing water Make sure doors and windows that lead to the pool or spa area are locked or have an alarm on them Do not place large pet doors leading to the pool or spa area Do not rely on baby bath seats to keep a child from drowning.
Swimming…
Some young children can be taught to float on their backs for a short time until help comes. It is recommended you contact your child’s pediatrician regarding your child’s readiness for this training Never rely on floatation devices or swimming lessons to protect a child. Supervise young children at all times Older children can be taught to float and breath then swim face down to a point of safety Assign a water watcher to ensure children in or around water are constantly supervised Teach age appropriate water safety rules to children. All adults should learn CPR and have an emergency plan
Pools & Spas
- Young children should never be left alone in or around the pool. They should always be supervised by an adult
- Install safety fencing at least 4 feet high on all sides of the pool or spa area with self-closing and self-latching gates
- The fence should be constructed so that young children cannot climb it
- The fence should allow a clear view of the pool from the house.
- The gate should be self-closing
- The gate should be 4 feet high and have a self-locking mechanism at 54 inches high in proper working order
- The gate latching mechanism should be out of reach of young children
- All exit doors from the house to the pool should have a lock at least 54 inches above the ground and be routinely kept locked
- Steps leading to an above ground pool should be removed when the pool is not in use
- Keep pool area free and clear of toys and other items.
- Make sure that pool drains have anti-entrapment covers to avoid entanglement or entrapment
- Empty and turn over wading pool when not in use and secure a spa with a locked cover when not in use
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
- Keep a phone at poolside
- If a child is missing, check the pool first
- Parents, guardians and babysitters should know how to institute CPR or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately and how to call for emergency personnel
- Periodically review your pool safety system for defects and age appropriateness
Lakes and Beaches
- Always swim with a buddy and supervise children at all times
- Always swim at a beach where there are lifeguards or beach patrol officers
- Swim only in areas that have been designated for swimming
- Obey all safety signs and don’t run or dive in ponds or lakes
- Use sunscreen and wear proper swimwear and footwear
Boating
- Always check the local weather conditions before boating and going out in open waters. Watch for dangerous waves and signs of rip currents
- Children should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while in a boat, canoe or any other recreational water vessel
- Read and abbey all water signs and know the meaning of warnings represented by colored beach flags
EDUCATION
Talk to your children about pool safety
Post pool rules and follow them consistently
Teach infants and young children to swim