With the Independence Day holiday approaching, many families will be spending time around the water. Students in the McMinnville School District learn survival swim techniques during the school year, but there are still risks around the water.
The Safe Kids Worldwide project offers a range of information and tips about water safety, including
- A child after the age of six months should have swimming lessons, if possible.
- Always supervise young children, which means keeping a child within arms’ length.
- Have children wear Personal Life Protection Devices (life jackets) around the water.
- Have a first aid kit and a person that knows CPR close by.
- Understand how water temperatures can affect a person’s ability to swim.
“As children get older, it is more likely that they will venture off to swim in rivers or lakes,” said Jack Crabtree, the district’s Safety manager. “With this adventure, there are risks. There are issues with miscalculating the effects of water temperature, current speed, size of the body of water, as well as one’s swimming ability.
“I hope parents will review the attached water safety links and go over them with their children. We want everyone to have a fun and safe summer.”