family splashing in pool knows the 5 layers of water safety

The 5 Layers of Water Safety: Tips from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

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In Florida, and especially during the summertime, water safety is extremely important. Florida unfortunately leads the nation in child drownings under the age of 5, most of which happen in a residential pool, but there are steps parents can take to avoid a drowning tragedy.

Petra Stanton, supervisor of Safe Kids Florida Suncoast led by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, shares:

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The 5 Layers of Water Safety to Help Keep your Family Safe this Summer:

  • Layer 1: The first layer starts with you. If everyone in the family is inside, make sure you have a clear view of the pool and nobody sneaks outside.
  • Layer 2: Inside of the home. Make sure you create barriers to slow the child down. Door alarms are a great choice to alert you that someone is exiting the house.
  • Layer 3: Outside of the home. Make sure you have a fence that is at least four feet tall and has a self-latching gate. The backyard or the pool should also be fenced in from the outside. For example, a pool cage with a locking door is an appropriate layer.
  • Layer 4: Remove distractions and items that could allow a child to crawl over the pool gate. Always make sure you remove the toys and the furniture away from the pool.
  • 5th Layer: Enroll your child in formal swim lessons and make sure that the adult can swim, too. When there is a gathering, make sure you assign somebody to actively watch the kids. A water watcher badge is a great way to make sure a responsible adult knows it is their turn to stay focused on keeping a watchful eye on all of the swimmers.

It can also be lifesaving to make sure adults know how to perform hands-only CPR. For more information about water safety, including where to enroll your child in swim lessons, visit the Safe Kids website.

*Presented by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital | Image credit: Getty Images