5/24/2010

Summer Boat Safety - Get Ready!

Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the waters:

Always have your children wear the right size and type life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats or around open bodies of water or participating in water sports. The life jacket should fit snugly and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through the neck opening.

Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.

Enroll your child in swimming lessons as early as the age of 1 year (recommended by AAP). Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore.

Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming.

Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.

Do not let kids operate personal water crafts such as jet skis. These are intended for adults and require special training.

Teach children not to dive into oceans, lakes or rivers because you never know how deep the water is or what might be hidden under the surface of the water.