How to Protect Your Children from Water-Related Injuries This Summer

 Posted on July 02, 2020 in Personal Injury

From the many popular lakes, public pools, rivers, and mineral hot springs, Colorado boasts some of the most varied and exciting waterways in the country. Although pandemic precautions may cause some of these popular pools and swimming spots to operate below capacity—or even close entirely—numerous Coloradoans and their families will find themselves entering the water at some point this summer. Whether boating, kayaking, or swimming, these popular aquatic activities come with their fair share of risks.

You may be surprised to hear that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recorded an average of 3,500 non-boating related drownings each year from 2005-2014. Kids are common victims, with drowning listed as the leading cause of death for children ages 0-4. Nonfatal submersion injuries are also very common for young kids. Although they are nonfatal, these submersion injuries can lead to hospitalization, permanent disabilities, or loss of function due to a decrease in oxygen levels in the brain.

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Child

Fortunately, parents and guardians can take an active role in preventing such a tragedy. The following are five CDC-approved actions to help mitigate the risk of a fatal drowning incident:

1. Be Ready to Jump In – You should know the basics of swimming for your own well-being, but you must be ready to quickly react and assist your child if he or she is struggling to stay above the water.
2. Attend a CPR Class – In a drowning incident, properly administered CPR may be enough to keep the victim stable until paramedics arrive. It is a good idea for those with young children to enroll in a CPR training class or even attend an online session for general knowledge of the procedure.
3. Make “Floaties” Mandatory – For young children and those still learning to swim, a life jacket could be the difference between life and death. For stronger swimmers, some parents opt for the classic inflatable arm floats.
4. Be Vigilant – Make sure your child is never unsupervised near an open source of water. Be present, focused, and sober, and remember that it only takes two inches of water for a child to drown.
5. Know the Signs – Do not assume a drowning victim will call for help. Common signs include the victim’s head bobbing above and below the water's surface, treading water with his or her head tilted back, or swimming toward something without making progress.

Contact a Ft. Collins Personal Injury Lawyer

Over 700 families in the United States will lose a child this year due to a fatal drowning incident, and many more children will be seriously injured. If you or someone you love has experienced this unimaginable tragedy, you deserve to know if negligence or carelessness by a property owner played a part. Call 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate Larimer County wrongful death attorney. Let the experienced legal team of Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. examine your claim, as you may be owed compensation.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/drowning/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html

https://www.redcross.org/local/colorado/take-a-class