Lil Life Savers Foundation
The public is invited to the Lil lifesavers
Foundation's Annual Water Safety
Festival, which is being held this year on May 2nd, 2010 from 4-6
p.m. at Kids Club Fun and Fitness,
This FREE family-oriented festival will include various fun
interactive water-safety stations, food, bounce houses, and take-home activity
books and safety cards all designed to promote water safety knowledge and
practice. Also among the day's events
will be a swim-a-thon with participation by children ages 4-12 yrs from local
swim teams and swimming lesson programs, and an auction of goods and services
from local businesses and other donors to raise funds to further water safety
education.
SAFER 3
(Safer
Kids, Safer Water, Safer Response)
SAFER KIDS: this most important part of the program focuses on both caretakers/parents and possible victims (children). Techniques of constant and focused adult supervision (a designated "water watcher") is at its heart. For the children, attainment of meaningful swim skills through ongoing lessons by qualified instructors, and education of both parents and children about proper water-safety techniques, including proper fit and use of life vests in and around the water are also key components. [INSERT QUOTE/STATISTIC ABOUT HOW QUICKLY KIDS DROWN]
The concept of a designated Water Watcher is the Foundation's top priority this year.
Drowning is usually a silent event. Many drownings a year occur within the visual sight of 10 or more adults. Unfortunately none of the adults had taken RESPONSIBILITY for focusing on being the Watcher and avoiding diversions. The Water Watcher is akin to being a Designated Driver --it involves accepting responsibility to perform a vital function for others, and not doing anything which impairs your ability to perform your agreed role. Everyone needs to decide up front who will keep his/her focus on the kids in or near water for a specified time, and not be diverted by eating, drinking, chatting, leaving "for just a minute" to answer the phone or make a restroom stop, etc.. Fortunately Water Watchers can and should trade off "shifts" (unlike the Designated Driver!) so that everyone can have fun near the water.
Safer Water refers to things adults need to do in advance to protect against unsupervised access by a child to a pool, spa or water feature in a landscape, if any potential child who might be attracted to the site lacks sufficient swimming skills to be safe in the area. The presentation includes information about the many types of protection available, including barrier fencing with latching gates, alarms, door locks and pool covers, and what it takes for them to be reasonably relied upon.
SAFER RESPONSE involves preparedness in advance for the possibility of a drowning or near drowning incident. Familiarity with rescue techniques such as CPR techniques (especially those appropriate for various aged children) and rescue breathing are essential for timely intervention. Having someone knowledgeable and prepared to act, as well as having an action plan known by those who are likely to be in the area of a water hazard, having rescue equipment on hand, and knowing who to call and when to call are also important. Everyone (including small children) should be familiar with how to make a 911 call and know where the nearest phone is located (preferably near the pool).