(Courtesy of Teaneck Swim Academy) Did you know that August is Drowning Impact Awareness Month? Statistics show that there are more drownings in August than at any other time of the year. It’s especially important to raise awareness about drowning in our community, as the Three Weeks conclude in the middle of August. Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths among children, particularly those aged 1-5. On average, the U.S. experiences about 4,000 drowning deaths annually, a number that has significantly increased over the past four years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, emergency rooms treat approximately 6,500 non-fatal drowning injuries each year. Contrary to popular belief, drowning incidents often occur quickly and silently, without the expected cries for help.

Drowning is preventable, but little can be done once a child has already fallen into the water. To prevent drownings, follow the ABCs of water safety:

1. Adult Supervision: Adults should always be present and supervise whenever children have access to water. It is important to know that two out of three drownings occurred while the child’s supervisor assumed the child was safely indoors. It is highly recommended that the designated supervisor has certification in lifeguarding, CPR and first aid.

No one should swim alone! Swimming should never be a solitary activity. Always swim with a buddy, regardless of age or swimming proficiency. Additionally, never leave a child unattended in or near water, not even for a moment. Children should only swim in designated and supervised areas. Adult supervision is imperative whenever individuals, especially children, are in the water.

1. Barriers (between children and water): The best pool barrier is a four-sided fence (a fence that surrounds the pool to separate it from the remainder of the yard) with a self-closing and self-latching gate that opens outward. The barriers must separate the pool from the home. If the home opens directly to the pool, door alarms and locks should be installed. Remove toys from, in or around the pool area as they attract young children to the pool.

Empty water containers immediately after use. Never leave a filled, open-top water container unattended. Remember to empty kiddie pools whenever they’re not in use.

1. Classes & CPR: Swimming is a learned ability, not an instinctive one. We can not survive in water unless we are taught how to swim. Everyone should learn how to swim!

Every parent and caregiver should know how and when to do CPR. Done correctly, CPR can save a person’s life. Performing CPR on a drowning victim immediately after an incident can double or even triple their chance of survival. CPR and first aid classes for adults, and swimming lessons and water safety classes for kids, will help ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Bein HaMetzarim, the time between Shiva Assar B’Tammuz and Tisha B’Av, is a meaningful time to consider learning a lifesaving skill, so when we resume swimming, we’re even more prepared and ready to safely enjoy the water.

Designating a Water Watcher is one of the most important steps you can take to keep children safer in and around water. Teaneck Swim Academy has Water Watcher cards available at our pool. A Water Watcher is a responsible adult whose sole job is to watch children while they’re in the pool, ensuring they are not distracted by texting or phone calls. After a set period, such as 15 minutes, the Water Watcher card is passed to another adult, who then takes over the active supervision.

You can save a life—yours and someone else’s. Enroll in a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today. Teaneck Swim Academy provides comprehensive courses in these essential life saving skills, ensuring that parents and caregivers are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

Teaneck Swim Academy is dedicated to promoting water safety awareness and offering essential education and resources to protect individuals of all ages. Contact us at (201) 614-4122 or [email protected]. We want everyone to stay safe in the water and enjoy the rest of summer!