Drowning Prevention: A Guide to What to Do if a Child Falls in the Pool
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among children, and it can happen in a matter of seconds. As a parent or caregiver, it is crucial to be prepared and know what to do in case a child falls into a pool. Acting fast and remaining calm can make all the difference in a life or death situation.
Yell for Help and Check the Scene
The first thing to do if a child falls into a pool is to yell for help and check the scene. Make sure that you can safely help the child without endangering yourself. If there are other adults around, ask them to call 911 while you focus on getting the child out of the pool.
Get the Child Out of the Pool and Check for Consciousness
Once you have determined that it is safe to do so, get the child out of the pool and onto the pool deck. Check for consciousness by tapping the child and shouting, “Are you okay?” If the child is unconscious or not breathing, it is important to act quickly.
Check Breathing and Pulse
Check for breathing by tilting the child’s head back and listening for or feeling breaths. If the child is not breathing, give two rescue breaths and check for a pulse. If there is no pulse, begin rescue breathing or CPR immediately.
Call 911 and Continue CPR
If someone is with you, have them call 911 while you continue rescue breathing or CPR. If you are alone, begin CPR immediately and call 911 after two minutes of performing CPR. It is important to continue CPR until emergency help arrives.
Prevention – Get Your Child into Swimming Lessons
The best way to prevent drowning is to ensure that your child knows how to swim. Enrolling your child in swimming lessons at a young age can teach them the essential skills they need to stay safe in and around water. Swimming lessons can also help children develop a love for swimming, which can encourage them to swim safely and responsibly throughout their lives.
Drowning is a preventable tragedy that can happen in a matter of seconds. If a child falls into a pool, it is crucial to act fast and remain calm. Yell for help, get the child out of the pool, check for consciousness, and check for breathing and pulse. Call 911 and continue rescue breathing or CPR until emergency help arrives. The best way to prevent drowning is to enroll your child in swimming lessons and teach them the essential skills they need to stay safe in and around water. By being prepared and taking preventative measures, we can help keep our children safe and prevent drowning accidents.
Swim lessons teach your child the skills they need to be safe in the water. Not sure what level to sign them up for? Click here to see the swim lesson levels offered at SwimJim today.
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