Governor McMaster Proclaims May as Childhood Drowning Prevention Month in South Carolina
Water safety tips:
Actively supervise children in and around any body of water, giving them your undivided attention.
The home has many hidden hazards for children: pools, spas and bathtubs, toilets and buckets.
Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
Enroll your child in swimming lessons – it is an important skill for both children and adults to know.
Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming.
Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
Do not let kids operate personal water crafts such as jet skis. These are intended for adults and require special training.
Teach children not to dive into oceans, lakes or rivers because you never know how deep the water is or what might be hidden under the surface of the water.
Learn infant and child CPR and keep a phone nearby in case of an emergency.
Signs of drowning:
Silence
Head low in the water, mouth at water level
Head tilted back with mouth open
Eyes are glassy, unable to focus, or closed
Upright in water, not using legs
Gasping
Trying to roll over on the back
Be sure to use these water safety tips when you are doing all outdoor / indoor water activity. You can save a child’s life! Never leave a child alone, even for a second in the water.