Children can submerge and silently drown in less than 25 seconds – just long enough for you to answer that text, like a few photos on Instagram or see what your friends have posted on Facebook. Drowning is the second-leading cause of death in children and there’s no question that distracted parents and guardians are a growing concern. When you are supervising your child in water, they deserve and require your undivided attention to ensure that they are safe. At Russell Aquatics, we encourage early exposure to water to ensure that in the event of an accidental encounter with water, your child is able to float, swim or get to the edge of the water to ensure their safety. But what if your child is in the water and unable to swim? What if something happens where they are not able to help themselves?
There is nothing on your phone that could be more important than your child so make pool time a phone-free zone.
If you’re tempted by your phone, take turns with another adult to watch the kids but never leave them unattended. What most people don’t realize is that real drowning doesn’t look like it does on TV. Most drowning is silent with little to no cries for help or splashing. It’s easy to confuse drowning for an attempt at treading water. Turn your phone off, stay close and always know where your child is in order to stay safe at the pool or beach. Even if lifeguards are present, it is imperative that children are fully supervised by a parent or guardian. Lifeguards are expected to supervise a large group of people and although they are trained to notice signs of drowning, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your child. Although you shouldn’t be paying attention to your phone while your child is swimming, you should always have your phone with you. In the event of an emergency, you will be able to call emergency services quickly.
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