Watch Kids Around Water

Jun 1, 2012 by ccadmin

The following is a reminder from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services about water safety this summer:

Summer is upon us and water is a great way to beat the Texas heat. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and Child Care Licensing want to remind you to, Watch Kids Around Water. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among infants, toddlers and young children. In fact, 18 children have drowned in Texas so far this year.

You play an important role in preventing future tragedies. The deadliest period for drowning (Memorial Day through Labor Day) is just beginning. Review your safety plan to prevent access to bodies of water, especially onsite swimming pools. Safety plans can address door locks, door alarms, pool fences, self-closing and self-latching hardware and emergency procedures. All caregivers should know your safety plan and practice the plan regularly.

Be a “lifeguard” and help protect children from drowning indoors and outdoors. Drowning can happen in almost any amount of water and it only takes a few minutes for a child to drown. Children under a year old most often drown inside the house (bathtubs, buckets or toilets). Children from one to four-years old most often drown outdoors, especially in backyard swimming pools.

Visit our new campaign website, Watch Kids Around Water. It features basic water safety tips and safety tips specific to 24-hour residential care , drowning statistics and a “Lifeguard 101” teaching tool to get people talking about and sharing water safety information.
Have a safe and happy summer.

For more information about water safety for children, please visit WatchKidsAroundWater.org.

Michele Adams
Assistant Commissioner Child Care Licensing
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services