Keep Children Safe Around Open Waters
Heading to the beach or the lake this summer? Whether you’re on a boat, canoe or just playing in the water, there is one thing you and your child should never be without – a life jacket.
There are risks in the open water that you just don’t have in a pool, like uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather. A properly fitted Coast Guard approved life jacket can help to save a life in case of an incident on the open waters.
 Here are some tips to stay safe as you venture out this summer.
- Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
- Enroll your child in swimming lessons after age 4 – typically the earliest age when they are likely to practice and retain information. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore.
- Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming.
- Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
- Do not let kids operate personal water crafts such as jet skis. These are intended for adults and require special training.
- Teach children not to dive into oceans, lakes or rivers because you never know how deep the water is or what might be hidden under the surface of the water.
- Learn infant and child CPR and keep a phone nearby in case of an emergency.
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PLEDGE TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE AROUND OPEN WATERS
 As a parent, caregiver, adult, or just as a water enthusiast, I pledge to help Safe Kids USA wipe out drowning deaths and injuries to children:
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