McLEOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 18 JUNE 2014

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children. In 2010, 1,027 children ages 19 and under drowned, and 5,714 children ages 19 and under were seen in emergency rooms for injuries for near‐drownings in 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal reminds families to take caution during Water Safety Month (June) as well as year-round with these safety tips.

Lock

· Put up a fence that is at least four feet high and surrounds all sides of a pool or spa. The fence should have a gate with a lock that closes and latches by itself.

· Use door, gate, and pool alarms.

· Teach children not to play or swim near pool or spa drains.

· Use approved safety drain covers and back up devices.

Look

· Always watch children when they are in or near water.

· Do not get distracted by phone calls, text messages, reading or talking to others.

· Watch children even if they know how to swim.

· Swimming is an important skill to know, but keep in mind that knowing how to swim does not prevent drowning.

· Children who cannot swim or cannot swim well should be within your reach.

· Keep a phone near you – use it only to call for help if there is an emergency.

· If a child is missing, check the water first.

Learn

· Both adults and children should know how to swim.

· Learn when to use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets.

· Learn how to use rescue equipment.

· Learn CPR.

For more information on preventing childhood injury, please call McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal at (843) 777-5021 to speak to an Injury Prevention Specialist. You can also visit www.McLeodSafeKids.org or visit McLeod Safe Kids on Facebook at www.facebook.com/McLeodSafeKids.

McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal is funded in part by the McLeod Health Foundation.