Carlos Flores is the Trauma Coordinator at Valley Children's Hospital. He shared the ABCs of Water Safety with Latino Life host Graciela Moreno. Watch the video for more tips.
A is for ACTIVE Adult Supervision - no distractions including cell phones! If the child is under 5 years, it should be TOUCH supervision. You are no farther away from the child than arm's length.
B is for BARRIERS. Examples are fences and life jackets. These things buy you time to get to the child before they "escape" adult supervision.
C is for Classes. Swim Lessons and CPR are the two most important.
Valley Children's Hospital is seeing a significant increase in the number of pediatric large body of water injuries (vs pools). U.S. Coast Guard Approved life jackets are critical. Type I and II should be used for rivers and lakes. Type III would be suitable for a pool. The life jacket also needs to be the correct weight and style for the child. Check out the video and links for more tips.
How to fit a life jacket
General Water Safety
Local Water Safety
Valley Children's Hospital-Water Safety
Water Safety Council of Fresno County