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Water safety tips for the summer
By Dov Winston
Drowning, and water safety are subjects on many people’s lips in Nassau County this summer after the widely publicized story of a nanny in Syosset who died trying to save a toddler in her care. The mother was able to fish her child out of the water but was unable to save the heroic caregiver, who jumped in despite not knowing how to swim.
For children age 14 and younger, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injuries related to deaths, according to health department statistics quoted by Nassau County Legislator Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside) in a recent report. In the past year there have been nearly 150 deaths due to drowning across New York State. Meanwhile, one in four Nassau County homes has a pool, and more are being dug all the time.
“Water safety is something that all parents should be aware of,” Toback said. “[Drowning] can happen very quickly and in less than one inch of water, making filled bathtubs, swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, and even buckets of water and sinks potentially dangerous.”
To prevent poolside accidents due to carelessness never leave children alone in or near the pool, and an adult who knows CPR should always be on hand. Another recommended precaution is to fence in pools; be sure that the locks to the gate are out of the reach of children.
Lack of observation is a factor in fatalities by the pool. Although it is important to have adults on hand when a large number of people are swimming, it is essential that a lifeguard be present.
“They go through vigorous training and have a lot of knowledge and experience,” explained John Skudin, beach supervisor of Nassau County. “A fireman is called after a fire starts, a policeman is called after a crime occurs, [but] the best lifeguard is one who prevents anything bad from happening at all.”
Some of the most tragic mistakes occur during attempts at rescue.
In dangerous situations, “you have to concentrate on what you’re doing,” said Skudin, and remember that “every situation is different. You want to make sure you get control of the situation and make sure that the person remains calm.”
However, while many parents are concerned about the safety of their children at the pool, either at camp or in their own backyard, they are not equally cautious with regard to water safety in their own home.
Small children should never be left alone in a bath or unattended with a bucket filled with any amount of water or other liquid. Additionally, bathtub seats equipped with suction cups should not be used, because the seats can overturn and flip a baby headfirst into water. A good precaution to install is a toilet-lid locking device; bathroom doors should be kept closed.
