How can I help keep my kids safe outside when they play?

CAN YOU TELL WHEN SOMEONE IS DROWING???

 

Arizona Childproofers wants EVERYONE to be safe in the water.  Drowning can happen in a pool at a home OR a friends house, in a public pool, at the beach or at the lake.  Drowning can happen anywhere there is water.  The more aware we are of what to do, what to watch for, and how to react, the more lives will be saved.

Below is an excerpt for a blog written by Mario Vittone

The new captain jumped from the deck, fully dressed, and sprinted through the water. A former lifeguard, he kept his eyes on his victim as he headed straight for the couple swimming between their anchored sportfisher and the beach. “I think he thinks you’re drowning,” the husband said to his wife. They had been splashing each other and she had screamed but now they were just standing, neck-deep on the sand bar. “We’re fine; what is he doing?” she asked, a little annoyed. “We’re fine!” the husband yelled, waving him off, but his captain kept swimming hard. ”Move!” he barked as he sprinted between the stunned owners. Directly behind them, not 10 feet away, their 9-year-old daughter was drowning. Safely above the surface in the arms of the captain, she burst into tears, “Daddy!”

How did this captain know—from 50 feet away—what the father could not recognize from just 10? Drowning is not the violent, splashing call for help that most people expect. The captain was trained to recognize drowning by experts and years of experience. The father, on the other hand, had learned what drowning looks like by watching television. If you spend time on or near the water (hint: that’s all of us) then you should make sure that you and your crew know what to look for whenever people enter the water. Until she cried a tearful, “Daddy,” she hadn’t made a sound. As a former Coast Guard rescue swimmer, I wasn’t surprised at all by this story. Drowning is almost always a deceptively quiet event. The waving, splashing, and yelling that dramatic conditioning (television) prepares us to look for is rarely seen in real life.

The Instinctive Drowning Response—so named by Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D., is what people do to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in the water. And it does not look like most people expect. There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind. To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the No. 2 cause of accidental death in children, ages 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents)—of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In some of those drownings, the adult will actually watch the child do it, having no idea it is happening.

Recognizing the signs of someone who is drowning is crucial in order to take quick action and potentially save their life. Here are some signs that someone may be drowning:

Silence: Contrary to what you may see in movies or TV shows, drowning is often a silent process. The person may not be able to yell or call for help.

Difficulty breathing: The person may be struggling to breathe, gasping for air or have their mouth at water level.

Vertical position: The person may be in a vertical position in the water with their head tilted back, which is an instinctive attempt to keep their mouth above the water surface.

Bobbing up and down: The person may appear to be bobbing up and down in the water and unable to stay afloat.

Glassy or closed eyes: The person may have glassy or closed eyes.

Hair in face: The person's hair may be covering their face, making it difficult for them to see or breathe.

Panic or confusion: The person may appear panicked or confused, and may be flailing their arms and legs.

Noisy breathing: The person may be making a "gurgling" or "gasping" sound.

If you suspect someone is drowning, it's important to act quickly and call for help. Never attempt to rescue someone without proper training or equipment, as this could put both you and the victim in danger.

For more information contact:

480-634-7366   www.azchildproofers.com

Childproofing, Pool Fences, Car Seat Safety, Community Education

Sources:

www.azchildproofers.com

www.kidsafepoolfences.com

www.exquisitepoolfence.com

http://mariovittone.com/

Drowning Season In Arizona

This is Drowning season in Arizona 

Yes, there is a season for drowning in Arizona and we're not proud of that

In 2022, Arizona had the highest number of pool and spa fatalities in the country. This is not something to be proud of. We can all do our part to have Arizona become the state with the LOWEST number of pool and spa fatalities.

MYTH:  My child takes swimming lessons.  We don't need a pool fence.

Toddlers, Children, Teens and Adults who know how to swim drown every year

MYTH:  We can remove our pool fence when are children are a little older.
What about:  Your friends' children, your relatives' children, your children's friends?

MYTH:  If we have a lock on the door, we don't need a pool fence.
Have you seen how cleaver children are?  A child will get old enough to get past locks.

MYTH:  My children are grown, I can take my pool fence down.
Does your neighbor have children?  What if they climb the fence into your yard?

Drownings are preventable.  How you may ask.....

AROUND POOLS:
              Have a designated Water Watcher.  This person doesn't talk to anyone.  They are to watch and count the people in the pool and those coming and going into the water. NO Phones ---NO Talking ---- NO Photos  NEVER SWIM ALONE.  It is not just toddlers that drown. Adults and Teens drown too. EVERY year! Along with having a designated water watcher, do your part to keep track of everyone in the water, too.

                                    


IN THE YARD
               All buckets, containers, and children's pools should be emptied when done using them.

IN THE HOUSE
               Toilet lids should be locked when little children are around.  Pet water dishes should be emptied when babies and toddlers are around, buckets emptied when not being used, ALWAYS supervision when a child is in a tub.  It only takes two seconds.  Babies and toddlers are top heavy.  Every year children drown in toilets and other containers around the house and yard.

480-634-7366   www.azchildproofers.com

Childproofing, Pool Fences, Car Seat Safety, Community Education

480-634-7366   www.azchildproofers.com

Do you have a swimming pool that needs a fence?

What Safety Items Should You Keep By The Pool?

 

It is important to remember when we go out into the pool area and there are toddlers, teens and adults in the water that we need to be on alert and not out to catch some rays, read a book or talk on the phone.  

When we go out to the pool we need to be prepared.  Here are some ideas to help you have what you need when you need it:

Prepare a Kit:

1.     Zip Lock Bag to put your phone in to keep it from getting wet

a.      The phone is for emergencies only

b.      Do Not Talk on the phone while you are by the pool and there are people in the pool

2.     First Aid Kit

a.      A Simple First Aid Kit is essential for the minor things that may happen by the pool

3.     Life Saver, Pool Noodle or Shepherds Hook

a.      These are for reaching out into the pool and having someone grab hold when struggling.  NEVER jump in to help, you may become a victim

4.    Whistle

a.      This is to get attention when needed

                                       i.     Getting children to stop something

                                       ii.    Getting help in a dangerous situation

5.      Bottled Water

a.      It is important to stay hydrated

6.       Sunscreen

a.      Apply frequently

b.      Get fresh sunscreen at the beginning of the year. 

                                       i.     Sunscreen expires and loses it effectiveness after it is opened for 6 months

Contact:

Arizona Childproofers at 480-634-7366

For

Childproofing, Pool Fence, Car Seat and Senior Safety

info@azchildproofers.com

www.azchildproofers.com

Sources:

www.azchildproofers.com

www.kidsafepoolfences.com

www.exquisitepoolfence.com

www.kidsafeworldwide.org

5/13-5/19 - National Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Awareness Week

National Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Awareness Week is observed annually from May 13th to May 19th. During this week, the goal is to raise awareness about the potential risks of alcohol and drug use during pregnancy and to encourage pregnant women to seek support and treatment if they are struggling with substance use.

Alcohol and drugs can have a significant impact on a developing fetus, and exposure to these substances during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems. The effects of substance use during pregnancy can last a lifetime and may impact a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

It's important for pregnant women to seek medical care and support if they are struggling with substance use, as early intervention and treatment can help reduce the risk of harm to the fetus and promote a healthy pregnancy.

Childproofing can also help prevent other types of accidents and injuries that can be particularly dangerous for children who may already be at higher risk due to exposure to alcohol or drugs during pregnancy. Children who are exposed to drugs or alcohol in the home can suffer from a range of health and developmental problems. By removing potential hazards and securing your home, you can help reduce the risk of falls, burns, and other types of injuries that could further impact your child's health and well-being and promote a safer environment for your child.

* Keep any chemicals, medications, cleaning supplies, or other hazardous materials in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf that is out of reach of children.

* Install childproof locks on any cabinets or drawers that contain hazardous materials. These locks will prevent young children from accessing these materials.

* Clearly label any hazardous materials so that you and other caregivers know what they are and can handle them appropriately.

* Store hazardous materials in a location that is out of sight and out of reach of children. This will help prevent children from being tempted to play with them or accidentally ingest them.

* Dispose of hazardous materials according to local regulations. This will help prevent accidental exposure and protect the environment.

National Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Awareness Week and childproofing both share a common goal of promoting the health and safety of children. By raising awareness about the potential risks of alcohol and drug use during pregnancy and taking steps to create a safe and secure environment, we can help ensure that children have the support and resources they need to thrive.

480-634-7366   www.azchildproofers.com

Childproofing, Pool Fences, Car Seat Safety, Community Education

What should I look for on the label when choosing a sunscreen for my child?