DHSS Press Release

WATER SAFETY SAVES LIVES

DOVER (June 19, 2015) – Summer is a perfect time for a swim or to play in the water. As we move into pool and water season, the Division of Public Health (DPH) joins the Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention to recommend a few basic rules to keep safe. Keep a constant eye on children and teens, even in places where there is a lifeguard or there is no known water body nearby. Never allow anyone – child, youth, or adult – to play in the water or swim alone. Someone should be close by at all times to help in the case of trouble.

“Water safety must include constant supervision and a buddy system,” said MarySue Jones, DPH, Trauma System Coordinator. “Children are so very quick. An adult must keep his or her full attention on children at all times, even in shallow water. Summer is a fun time, and learning about water safety for your children can keep it that way and help to avoid the risk of serious injuries.”

Water Safety:

• Never let children swim without adult supervision.
• Teens and adults always swim with a friend.
• Provide fencing around pool areas (at least 4 ft. high).
• Do not allow running around the pool.
• Keep children from pool drains, openings, and pipes to avoid entrapment.
• Remove steps to above-ground pools when not in use.
• Keep toys away from the pool when not in use.
• Keep electrical appliances away from the pool area.
• Keep a phone near the pool area. In case of an emergency, call 911

What Do I Need to Know About Water Safety at the Pool or in Natural Settings?

• Learn how to swim and use a buddy system ─ this applies to both adults and children.
• Supervise your children at all times in aquatic settings, regardless of whether or not there is a lifeguard on duty.
• Use life jackets while boating. Just like seat belts, life jackets save lives.
• Check the weather conditions prior to arriving at the pool, lake, river, or ocean. Never swim or go boating in rough weather, (i.e. thunder and lightning, strong winds, and strong currents).

For more information, visit poolsafely.gov/parents-families/simple-steps-save-lives/ or dhss.delaware.gov/dph/ems/ipdrowning.html

The Coalition for Injury Prevention is a statewide organization dedicated to injury prevention and public education. Teams address prevention of specific types of injuries including drowning, falls, motor vehicle crashes, burns, violence-related injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and dog bites. Examples of partners on the drowning prevention team include Beebe Healthcare, Milford Parks and Recreation, YMCA of Delaware, the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families, the American Red Cross, Sussex County Emergency Medical Services, and Sussex Central High School. Safe Kids Delaware (safekidsde.org) partners with the Coalition for Injury Prevention specifically related to childhood injury prevention.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.