Health Tip: Practice Drowning Prevention at Home

(HealthDay News) — Drowning can happen most anywhere, even in a small amount of water.

The National Safety Council advises parents to:

Supervise children when they are near water, including the bath. Empty sources of water — such as a tub or inflatable pool — immediately after use.
Before your child gets into water, have all related supplies — such as towels or sunscreen — nearby. If you have to leave the area, always take your child along.
Never allow children to play near streams or canals.
If you have a pool or hot tub, surround it with a 5-foot- high fence with a self-locking gate. Keep a life preserver and phone nearby.
Install an alarm to alert you if a child opens the door to a pool or hot tub.
Skip floaties and use a properly-fitting life jacket.
Make sure you are properly trained in CPR and first aid.
Enroll your child in swim lessons, although they don’t eliminate the possibility of drowning.