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

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:

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