Water safety tips

Recently the Kern County Fire Department responded to two separate child drowning emergencies.

We would like to remind all members of our community that approximately 10 people die every day from drowning accidents and drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1-4. As such, please review and apply the following safety tips.

Protect:

• Use layers of barrier protection between children and water, like fences and alarms.

• Secure and lock all doors, windows and gates leading to the pool/spa area when not in use.

Supervise:

• Never leave a child alone near a pool, spa, bathtub, toilet, water filled bucket, pond or any standing water in which the child’s nose or mouth may be submerged.

• Assign an adult “water watcher” to supervise the pool/spa area, especially during social gatherings.

Prepare:

• Learn how to swim and learn rescue techniques.

• Mount rescue equipment nearby such as, a life saving ring and shepherd’s hook.

During one of the recent drownings, firefighters performing CPR were able to regain a pulse in the patient. This is a clear example of the benefits of high quality CPR. Learning CPR is highly recommended for all, especially for those with a pool or spa. If you would like to learn CPR visit http://www.redcross.org.