KFD encourages water safety
Swimming
We know water is everywhere. So to make water safety easy, we divided it into three categories:‚ Water safety at home, swimming safety and‚ boating safety.
Here youll find everything you need to know about swimming safety. Whether its a trip to the beach or a dip in the community or backyard pool, you can ensure that swimming is as safe as it is fun by following a few basic safety tips
The Hard Facts
Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1-4.
Top Tips
- Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention.
- When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use the Water Watcher card strategy, which designates an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision. Download a‚ Water Watcher card here.
- Whether youre swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake, teach children to swim with an adult. Older, more experienced swimmers should still swim with a partner ever time. From the first time your kids swim, teach children to never go near or in water without an adult present.
- We know you have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind ‚¬ and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better. Local hospitals, fire departments and recreation departments offer CPR training.
- Educate your children about the dangers of drain entanglement and entrapment and teach them to never play or swim near drains or suction outlets.
– See more at: http://www.safekids.org
American Red Cross Swim Lessons
- The Kingsport Aquatic Center offers year-round swim lessons for ages 6 months through adults. Each Summer session includes eight classes, Monday-Thursday for a two-week period.
- Registration dates and Sessions:
- Summer 1: June 2-12 Registration Begins: May 17, 8 a.m.
- Summer 2: June 16-26 Registration Begins: June 14 8 a.m.
- Summer 3: July 7-17 Registration Begins: June 28, 8 a.m.
- Summer 4: July 21-31 Registration Begins: July 19, 8 a.m.
- Register at www.swimkingsport.com or at‚ the Kingsport Aquatic Center reception desk. Registration is‚ on a first-come, first-served‚ basis. For faster online registration, please sign up for an online account prior to the registration date.
For private swim lessons please call Karissa Skeens at 423-343-9760.
Water Safety Around The Home
Dont Leave Kids Alone in or Around Water
- Never leave your child unattended around water. We know it sounds strict, but there is no room for compromise on this one. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
- Put the cell phone away, forget about all the other things you have to do and give young children 100 percent of your attention when they are near or around water.
- When using inflatable or portable pools, remember to empty them immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of childrens reach. These types of pools can pose a drowning risk.
Remove Water From Tubs and Buckets After Use
- Once bath time is over, immediately drain the tub.
- Empty all tubs, buckets, containers and wading pools immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of childrens reach.
Close Lids and Doors
- Keep toilet lids closed and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning.
- Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
Learn CPR
- Parents have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind ‚¬ and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better.
– See more at: http://www.safekids.org
Boating Safety
Here youll find everything you need to know about boating safety. With almost 100 different kinds of boats ‚¬ from kayaks to canoes to motorboats ‚¬ theres a good chance most of us will be having a great time on the water at some point. So when you do, please remember these simple safety tips for the entire family.
The Hard Facts
In 2011, 70 percent of all fatal boating accident victims‚ drowned, and of those who drowned, 84 percent were not wearing a life jacket.
Top Tips
- Always have your children wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats, around open bodies of water or when participating in water sports. Make sure the life jacket fits snugly. Have the child make a touchdown signal‚ by raising both arms straight up; if the life jacket hits the childs chin or ears, it may be too big or the straps may be too loose.
- A large portion of boating accidents each year involve alcohol consumption by both boat operators and passengers. To keep you and your loved ones safe, it is strongly recommended not to drink alcoholic beverages while boating.
- Infants and young kids are at a higher risk for hypothermia, so if you are taking a baby on a boat, just take a few extra precautions to keep your baby warm. If your children seem cold or are shivering, wrap them tightly in a dry blanket or towel.
- We know you have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind ‚¬ and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better. Local hospitals, fire departments and recreation departments offer CPR training.
- Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
Learn More
Get on board with‚ more boating safety tips.
– See more at: http://www.safekids.org