Door County Medical Center is proud to be a community partner in promoting the YMCA's Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign, an initiative that reminds parents and caregivers to stay present and alert when children are in or near water.
With the Door Peninsula's beautiful shoreline, pools, and lakes, summer fun often involves time in the water. However, water can present serious risks if precautions aren't taken. Despite being preventable, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.
Drowning is fast and silent; it can happen in as little as 30 seconds and often without a splash or cry for help. That's about the time it takes to respond to a text, apply sunscreen, or glance at an email.
How to Protect Children Near Water
1. Always Watch Closely
Designate a responsible adult as a "Water Watcher" any time children are in or near water, even when lifeguards are present. This person should stay within arm's reach of young children and avoid distractions like phones, books, or conversations.
According to the Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign, 88% of children who drown do so while at least one adult is present.
2. Use Proper Life Jackets
Water wings and pool noodles are not safety devices. Always use Coast Guard-approved life jackets that are appropriately sized based on your child's weight and height. If the jacket rides up around their face, it's too big.
3. Teach Kids to Swim Early
Make swimming your child's first sport! Swimming lessons can begin as early as age 1. Teaching children water survival skills, such as floating, treading water, and exiting the pool safely, can save lives. In our region, it's also essential to educate children about hazards such as rip currents and ice shoves on the lake.
4. Fence Pools and Secure Access
If you have a pool at home, install a four-sided fence with a self-latching gate. Pool alarms and door sensors can also alert you to unsupervised access. Store toys away from water when not in use to prevent them from attracting curious kids.
5. Learn CPR
In an emergency, CPR can be the difference between life and death. YMCA of Door County offers community CPR classes, and many local municipalities provide training opportunities. You can also take free online water safety courses through the American Red Cross, which are available in both English and Spanish.
Water can be one of the best parts of summer, but safety should always be a priority. Put your phone down and keep your eyes up.
Sources:
- YMCA of the USA. Phones Down, Eyes Up™ Water Watcher Campaign. ymca.org
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Pool Safely. poolsafely.gov
- American Red Cross. Water Safety Resources. redcross.org
- Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. National Water Safety Month. nwsm.phta.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unintentional Drowning Facts. cdc.gov