WHY WATER SAFETY IS A PRIORITY

• Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death for kids ages 1—14 behind motor vehicle crashes, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  
• About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.
• A CDC study about self-reported swimming ability found that, among racial groups, African Americans reported the most limited swimming ability. Factors such as access to swimming pools may contribute to the racial differences in drowning rates.
• 88% of kids who drown do so under adult supervision.
• 60% of kids who drown are within 10 feet of safety.
• Life jackets save lives. Proper fit and comfort increase willingness to put it on.

Six Tips to Keep in Mind for National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month:

When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The Kokomo Family YMCA is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

The Number one drowing myth

Did you know that 88 percent of drownings happen under adult supervision? Many people think they’ll hear a child or adult drowning, but unfortunately that’s not the case. The fact that drowning is silent makes it all the more important to watch children closely when water is around—whether that’s a swimming pool, lake, ocean or even bathtub. Visit our blog post by clicking below!