Precautions to ensure safety of children in and near water

Spending time in the water is a great way for kids to get exercise and cool off during the summer, but without taking the proper safety measures, hazards could be lurking around the pool.

There are several precautions adults can take to make sure children are safe in and near water, says Karen Randall, M.D. senior staff physician in Henry Ford Hospital's Department of Emergency Medicine.

"Most importantly, if a child is near a pool or body of water, there should always be an adult to supervise," say Dr. Randall. "A child watching a child is never a good idea."

Parents can also prevent accidents by teaching children to swim as early as possible and have a plan for potential accidents.

"Learn how to do CPR in case there is a problem and have steps arranged in your mind as to what you would do if you were to encounter a problem while a child is swimming," says Dr. Randall.'

It will also be helpful to remove rafts, balls and other toys from the pool and surrounding area immediately after use so children are not tempted to enter the pool area unsupervised.

Source Henry Ford Hospital