Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in young children, but with the right precautions, it can be prevented. Let's discuss some key steps to keep your children safe around water.

First and foremost, never leave your child unattended around water. This includes bathtubs, pools, and even buckets of water. A child can drown in just a few inches of water, and it can happen in seconds.

Always ensure there is constant, focused supervision when your child is in or near water. Assign a 'water watcher' who will avoid distractions, like reading or using their phone, and keep a close eye on the children at all times.

Install barriers around your home pool. A four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. Remember, pool covers and alarms are helpful but should never replace proper fencing.

Enrolling your child in swimming lessons can also be beneficial. Look for classes that focus on water safety skills as well as swimming techniques. Children who are familiar with the water and know how to swim are less likely to panic and more likely to know what to do in an emergency.

Even if your child knows how to swim, they still need supervision. Children can become overconfident or may not recognize hazards like strong currents or deep water.

Learning CPR is another crucial step. In the event of an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR can save your child's life. Classes are widely available, and it's a skill every parent should have.

When at the beach, lake, or river, always use life jackets that are Coast Guard-approved. Floaties and inflatable toys are not substitutes for life jackets and can give a false sense of security.

Talk to your teenagers. Even teens who are strong swimmers are at risk of drowning. Talk to your teens about never swimming alone and other ways to stay safe in the water. Alcohol and/or drug use increases the risk of drowning while swimming or boating. Talk to your teens about these risks. Set a good example by making sure all water watchers and boat drivers do not use alcohol or drugs.

To sum up:

• Always supervise your children around water
• Assign a 'water watcher'
• Use barriers like pool fences
• Enroll kids in swimming lessons
• Learn CPR
• Use life jackets in natural water settings
• Talk to your teens about water safety and the risk of using alcohol or drugs

These steps can make a significant difference in keeping your children safe.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about water safety. Let's work together to ensure our children are safe and enjoy the water responsibly. If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider we are here to help.

Dr. Melanie Suaris is a board certified pediatrician serving Nicklaus Children’s Pediatric Care Center at Galloway (Kendall).