Many children and families are finding themselves stuck at home for the coming weeks, and Float2Fly wants to take the opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of water safety in and around the home.

With proper education and supervision, the home can be a wonderful place for children to fall in love with water. Take note of these tips to ensure your child’s relationship with water is positive and safe.

Babies & Toddlers

• NEVER leave your child unattended around water. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
• Watch closely and attentively: keep the child within arms-reach and the phone out of it.
• After bath-time, drain all tubs, sinks, etc. and store containers upside down.
• Close toilet lids and keep bathroom and laundry room doors closed.
• Pools should be completely surrounded by fencing at least 4 feet tall, with self-closing and self-latching gates.
• Above-ground pools should have access methods (steps, ladders, or other outdoor furniture and toys) secured, locked, and/or removed unless supervised by an adult.
• Any pool drains should have anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems to protect against drain entrapment.
• If a child is missing, check the water first.
• Parents should learn CPR and renew yearly (more info).

Children & Teens

• If your child or teen cannot swim or is still learning, refer to the above section and sign up for lessons or continue them until water comfort is reached.
• All children should take swim lessons and, at minimum, know the following skills:
  • 1) Step or jump into water until head submerged, then return to surface.
  • 2) Float or tread water for one minute.
  • 3) Turn around in a full circle in the water, then find an exit.
  • 4) Swim 25 yards to exit the water.
  • 5) Exit the water without using a ladder.
• Parents and teenagers should learn CPR and renew yearly (more info).

We hope everyone stays safe and healthy as this situation evolves!