Water safety and
drowning prevention


Water activities are as much a part of Kitsap County as the ferryboat. During the summer months and any other time if the weather is just right, residents and visitors find themselves in the water in some form or another. Water play can be great for fun and fitness, however it takes planning ahead and using good judgment to stay safe.

To be safe, you need to think about:

• Water conditions
• Your own limits
• Use of safety gear like life jackets.

Drowning can happen swiftly and silently. It is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children age 1 through 14 years. Among children 1-4 years drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death.
Childhood drowning and near-drowning can happen in a matter of seconds and typically occur when a child is left unattended or during a brief lapse in supervision. (excerpt from National safe Kids Campaign Fact Sheets)

Nine out of 10 drownings occur in inland waters, most within a few feet of safety and involving boats less than 20 feet long. Most drowning victims had access to a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), but did not wear it. A wearable PFD can save your life – if you wear it. (excerpt from PFDMA, Facts About PFDs)

Drowning Prevention Tips:

• Constantly supervise children.  Adults should take turns being designated water watchers to supervise children near or in the water.
• Teach your child to wait for permission before getting in the water.
• Don’t expect a lifeguard to supervise your child.
• Learn CPR
• Know how to swim.
• Enforce and model all water safety rules, including no running on pool decks.
• Locate life jackets and safety devices.  Never use inflatable water toys as life preservers or substitutes for supervision.
• Keep hair away from suction drain covers in spas, hot tubs and whirlpools.
• Always check water depth before jumping or diving into water.
• No alcohol.  Alcohol and swimming are very dangerous.
  

Water Safety Rules:

• Learn how to swim!
• Never swim alone!
• Always have an adult “Water Watcher”
• Don’t dive into shallow water.
• No glass containers around a pool or spa area.
• Keep all electrical appliance away from the pool or spa area.
• Don’t jump into the water to save someone who’s in trouble; throw a life ring or another flotation device to them to keep them afloat and call for help.
• Learn your local emergency number (9-1-1) and keep a phone by the pool or spa.

  For more information on Drowning Prevention
  resources, Click Here.

For the latest information:
     Bucket drowning and kids
     Childhood Drowning

Free loaner Life Jackets:

            Wednesdays* 2-5 PM
        * except major holidays

Limited Quantities Available

Mary Bridge Center for Childhood Safety -
(360) 662-1198 ext.1
     Harbor Medical Building at Harrison Silverdale
     1780 NW Myhre Road, Suite G220
     Silverdale, Washington

25% Off Life Jackets from Washington Big 5 Sporting Goods
(Children and Adults) expires 9/30/2005
For coupon and water safety information,
call the Children’s Hospital Resource Line:

               1-866-987-2500, option 4

                               or visit:
               www.seattlechildrens.org/dp