Every year, there are Franklin County children who drown or are injured in rivers, lakes, ponds and swimming pools. Drowning happens most often when children swim in areas that are not supervised by trained lifeguards.

Keep Children Safe: Watch, Teach and Learn

WATCH

• Always watch children around water.
• Do not rely on flotation devices such as water wings, floats, or inner tubes to keep kids safe. These can shift position, float away, or lose air.
• Do not over-estimate how well your children can swim.

TEACH CHILDREN

• NEVER swim or wade where there is no lifeguard on duty.
• STAY AWAY from drainage ditches. Water in a ditch can move very quickly and may hide branches and other things that might cause injury.
• NEVER hold your breath under water for long periods of time- it can cause unconsciousness.
• NEVER dive into lakes and rivers-shallow water or hidden rocks result in thousands of spinal cord injuries every year.
• If you see someone in trouble:

1. Call 911
2. Get Help
3. Do NOT dive into the water yourself

• Bring a cell phone when swimming or boating.  It is the fastest way to get help.
• Swim in groups of at least two or more.
• Arrange swim lessons for your child at an early age.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children can start at five years of age.
• Always use life vests when fishing, boating, wading or playing near a river or stream.
• DO NOT swim if too tired, too cold, after too much sun, or too much strenuous activity.

LEARN

• Know where nearby creeks, ponds, streams, and ditches are located. If a child is missing, search these water areas first
• Become trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). You may be the one to save a life.

For More Information

Water safety information, swim lessons, and CPR classes are available through the Red Cross of Greater Columbus at (614) 253-2740 or visit their training site on the web at http://columbus.redcross.org/HS.htm

Columbus Recreation and Parks offers free swimming lessons throughout the summer at its 11 pools. Call (614) 645-6122 or visit them on the web for details at http://recparks.columbus.gov/

Related Programs and Services

Safe Communities Project