in places like the bathtub , [ the ] toilet and buckets . Toddlers and younger children are more likely to drown in pools or retention ponds , and we see the highest risk for older children in open bodies of water like lakes , rivers and the ocean .”
To ensure kids stay safe in the water , Winberry recommends parents :
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Assign a “ Water Watcher ” to actively supervise kids any time they are swimming . This designated adult should not be distracted by their phone , a book or conversations with others .
💟 Stay within an arm ’ s reach of children at all times .
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Install multiple layers of protection around bodies of water . Door locks , alarms ( for doors , windows and pool entrances ) and fences around pools are a few examples of barriers . Remember , no single barrier is 100 % effective !
h Mandy Harry with her family
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Remove all toys and floats from the pool / water when swim time is over so a child does not try to reach for an item and fall in .
💟 Get trained in CPR to provide life-saving care , should a child need it .
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Enroll children in swimming lessons annually to keep skills sharp .
Use only United States Coast Guard-approved life jackets . Life jackets need to fit properly and be worn correctly . Products that are not USCGapproved are not considered life-saving devices .
While Harry learned all of this in the most difficult way possible , she is committed to spreading the word to prevent another family from going through a tragedy . In the meantime , she ’ s grateful for every night Calvin spends peacefully sleeping and the opportunity she once took for granted : to watch her boy grow up .
THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children ’ s Hospital provides child injury prevention information through Safe Kids Northeast Florida . Programs offered include water safety , car safety , infant safety , bike safety and home safety . To learn more , call 904.202.4302 .
Originally ran in Baptist Health Juice on May 14 , 2021
12 | FLAGLER PARENT M A G A Z I N E