Splash Into Safety

The theme for National Safe Kids Week 2004, Splash into Safety, was recreational water safety. While drowning death rates have declined, drowning still remains the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-14 in the United States.

Splash Into Safety messages focused on four 'water safety wisdoms,' including supervision, gear, training and environment. Messages were delivered by members of SAFE KIDS coalitions with the help of local water safety groups such as NJ State Marine Police in schools, to community groups and to neighborhood organizations. If you have are interested in a Splash into Safety program for your water community please contact KJ Feury.

PREVENTION TIPS

• Never leave a child unsupervised in or around water in the home. Empty all containers immediately after use and store out of reach.
• Never leave a child unsupervised in or around a swimming pool or spa, even for a moment.
• Never rely on a PFD or swimming lessons to protect a child. Learn CPR and keerescue equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers poolside
• Install four sided isolation fencing, at least five feet high and equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates, around a home pool or spa. Fencing should completely surround swimming pools or spas and prevent direct access form a house or yard.
• Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier or leave toys in and around the pool.
• Always wear a U.S coast Guard -approved PFD when on a boat, near open bodies or water or when participating in water sports.
• Air filled swimming aids, such as "water wings", are not considered safety devices and are not substitutes for PFDs.
• Never dive into water less than nine feet deep.
• Children's ages 14 and under should never operate a personal watercraft.