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As spring break unfolds and warmer temperatures grace North Texas, lakes and pools are expected to see increased activity, prompting the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas to underscore the importance of “Water Watching,” especially when it comes to young children.
Emphasizing adult supervision as paramount, the YMCA suggests families designate a trusted adult to diligently rotate “water watching” duties. This individual remains vigilant, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring of those in the water, free from distractions like phone calls or casual conversations, to guarantee constant supervision of children.
Jennifer Pewitt, Associate Vice President of Aquatics at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, highlights the silent nature of drowning, stressing that unlike other accidents, it can occur without any audible signs. The YMCA advocates for early enrollment of children in swimming classes to equip them with basic life-saving skills, including floating on their backs.
According to the CDC, drowning stands as the leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 4. Unlike other accidents, drowning can happen silently and swiftly, claiming lives within seconds. Last year, Texas alone witnessed 87 child drownings.
Formal swimming lessons offer essential skills that significantly enhance water safety, such as teaching children to comfortably submerge, hold their breath, and open their eyes underwater. Pewitt stresses the importance of this skill, enabling children to orient themselves towards safety, especially near pool walls.
The YMCA warns about the particular dangers lakes pose to children, advising the use of Coast Guard-approved life jackets in murky waters where visibility is limited. This precaution is crucial, as it’s challenging to detect someone who has submerged beneath the surface, particularly in conditions with poor visibility.
For families with home pools, investing in proper fencing and having life preservers readily available is strongly recommended. Additionally, instilling in children the habit of seeking permission before entering any body of water is vital for their safety.
The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program offers further resources and guidance for water safety education.