Blog: A Water What?

Posted by: Emily Samuel at May 26, 2011 12:00 AM CDT

Keywords: Education

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Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner and for most of us, this weekend marks the “unofficial” start of summer. Many of us will be heading to the beach, the lake or the pool to spend time with our families or friends, and others will be gathering in the backyard for food and water fun. Wherever you may be this summer, if the kids will be in or around water they need something important – a Water Watcher.

So what is a Water Watcher? A Water Watcher is an adult who is in charge of watching children who are in or near water. Seems easy enough…right? Well, according to a national study, a parent or caregiver claimed to be supervising the child in nearly 9 out of 10 child drowning-related incidents – yes, you read correctly – 9 out of 10 drownings.

I tried to remember my first time being in a pool or lake and wondered if anyone ever talked to my parents about supervision or water safety of any kind. Out of curiosity, I decided to call my parents. My mom told me that I was never really around water as a child because as a parent, she was scared to let my sister or me anywhere near it. When I asked why, she told me when her oldest brother was 16, he went swimming with his friends at a nearby lake and almost drowned – he was saved by a gentleman who happened to be walking by. My mom was one of the youngest of 8 children, and after that incident, my grandmother discouraged all the children from playing in or near water.

When I was around 3 years old, my uncle (who knew how to swim well) was visiting us and he encouraged my parents to take me out to play in the lake for a little while – as you can see from the picture, while I was waddling and splashing around, they kept their eyes on me!

Adult supervision is an important part of keeping kids safe in and around water, no matter how old they are, regardless of their swimming ability. Sometimes we all need a reminder on how to strengthen our supervising skills. So, here are some tips that will help you become a better Water Watcher:

A Water Watcher should be a responsible adult. You should not depend on older children to watch younger children.
A Water Watcher supervises children in and near water – without being distracted. That means no phone calls, no text messaging, no reading books or magazines, no alcohol. Your primary focus as a Water Watcher should be watching the children.
A Water Watcher is not just for the lake or pool. Children can drown in as little as 1 inch of water, in any body of water. This includes oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, puddles, kiddie pools, public and backyard pools, spas, bathtubs, toilets, buckets and the list goes on!
A Water Watcher should be prepared. If there is an emergency, do you know what to do? Learn how to swim, how to use rescue equipment and learn CPR. Keep a phone near you and use it only to call for help if there is an emergency. These skills may help you save a child’s life.

Kids know how to have fun – they need you to be the extra pair of eyes that help keep them safe in and around water while they’re having fun. Be water wise and enjoy the summer – safely!

Blog: A Water What?

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