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As summer approaches and temperatures rise, the desire to seek cool activities that are enjoyable for the whole family intensifies
One of the most enjoyable solutions, of course, is water activities - the sea, pools, streams, inflatable pools, and even bath time. The cool and refreshing water promises relief from the heat and great enjoyment. However, we need to remind you that every summer comes with a very heavy price, with serious injuries due to child drowning. It is important to read the following guidelines and to emphasize - children should never be left alone in water, in any water source, without supervision, ever. Water is extremely dangerous.
A survey conducted by the organization 'Beterem' for Child Safety reveals that 22% of parents engage in unsafe behaviors when their children are in the water, such as using a mobile phone, briefly leaving one of the children, turning to get a towel, leaving a toddler on the edge of the pool, and more. According to the same survey, 80% of drowning cases could have been prevented if preventive actions had been taken, including learning to swim, pool fencing, using proper floats, and active supervision by parents and lifeguards.
Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 17 and accounts for a fifth of child deaths in Israel. A child loses consciousness within 2 minutes of drowning, irreversible brain damage occurs within 4-6 minutes due to lack of oxygen supply to the brain. In fact, for every child who dies, 4 children will suffer serious medical injuries and limitations due to drowning.
Drowning is also known as "silent drowning." Contrary to what is seen in television series, in reality, when a child is drowning, the water covers the nose and mouth, and they are unable to shout for help. There is no distress call. Drowning occurs quickly. How fast? Most children who drowned at home were without close supervision for less than five minutes.
With the help of Dr. Ephraim Rosenburg, a pediatrician specialist from Leumit Health Services, we have compiled safety regulations and precautions for you, which will help you pass the summer safely!
To prevent the next disaster, one must act according to safety guidelines. The list is long but important, and it is worth investing a few minutes in reading it.
When children who cannot swim are near any water source (including a bathtub, bucket filled with water, seashore, pool, etc.), close supervision is necessary. The responsible adult must be within arm's reach of the children, with all attention focused on them, without distraction. Only qualified adults are allowed to supervise children in the water, and young children should not be left in the care of their siblings.
Prepare all necessary equipment in advance for water activities or near water. Remember not to leave the children, not for a moment. Do not leave young children near water without supervision, and do not rely on them not to enter despite warnings. Under no circumstances should alcohol be consumed or drugs used while supervising children in water.
Children can drown in shallow water and water less than ten centimeters deep! It is important to be within arm's reach of the toddler at all times.
Be sure to empty inflatable pools after use, and empty buckets, pools, basins, and containers of water. Close well covers and toilet lids.
Remove and keep toys away from the pool after use. Toys attract children, and the fact that they are in the water will not deter a child who really wants the toy.
A fenced pool reduces the risk of drowning by 50%! Swimming pools should be fenced, and accommodations and vacation spots with fenced pools only should be chosen. The fence should be at least a meter and a half high, unclimbable, and with a locked gate. It is recommended to install alarm systems on windows/doors to prevent unsupervised children from leaving the house.
Remove and lock the pool ladder, and make sure there is a stable and secure cover for the pool.
Aids for floating and swimming do not replace the need for parental supervision. Floats, arm bands, slides, water wheels, and floating mats are aids only and should not be used without supervision.
It is important to match the floating aids to the child's age. For infants and toddlers, it is important to ensure that the device is stable and cannot overturn in water. Ensure that the floats are suitable for the children's age, and make sure they are properly inflated and not slipping off the child's arms.
