Swim Safety Tips from the Doctor

As we approach the official days of summer and spend more time outdoors and in pools we want you and your family to be safe. Our fave Board Certified Pediatrician Dr. Deepa Sukumar has some good tips to keep in mind this summer.

​Swim safety tips - Advice on drowning prevention in swimming pools

• Never leave children alone near/in a pool, even for a moment. Designate an adult "water watcher" when children are swimming in the pool. Adult supervision is required at all times. It only takes seconds to drown!
• Whenever inexperienced swimmers are in and around water, an adult who knows how to swim and do CPR, must be within arm's length.
• Install a fence 4 feet high on all sides of your pool. The fence should not have openings that a young child could use to get over or under or through. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters a pool. Small children can reach the pool through pet doors too.
• Pool gates should open out from the pool and self close and self latch at a height children can't reach.
• Floaties are no substitute for life jackets and may give a false sense of security.
• Everyone should learn how to swim - participation in formal swimming lessons, reduces the likelihood of drowning by 88%. But swim programs should never be seen as "drown proofing" for a child of any age. Adult supervision is a must, even for a child who knows how to swim well.
• Instruct babysitters about potential pool hazards and the need for constant supervision.
• Large inflatable above ground pools are no different and the same precautions need to be followed.
• If a child is missing, always check pools first. Seconds count. And please do not forget to share swim safety tips with friends and family.

If you want to get in touch with Dr. Sukumar she offers virtual urgent care 24/7 via a secure video. Her website is www.gracemdconnect.com and her phone number is 844-230-3300.

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