BINGHAMTON, NY – Summer is here and it’s time to have fun in the sun. For many families in the Southern Tier that means heading for the pools and local beaches with the children. Water is a natural attraction for children, but unfortunately, it also can also pose a danger for them. According to the latest data from the Consumer Products Safety Commission, nearly 300 children younger than 5 drown in pools and spas each year, and about 3,000 suffer pool or spa-related injuries requiring attention at hospital emergency rooms.

This summer, whether it’s heading for the pool in your back yard or to one of the local pools or beaches, follow these water safety tips to keep children safe:

• Never leave children unsupervised by water. Children are not equipped to supervise other children. Always designate a responsible adult to watch young children while swimming or playing in or around water. Adults should be engaged in watching children at all times. Accidents can happen quickly around water and adults supervising children need to be ready to react accordingly.
• Know CPR. Anyone who supervises children in pools should know infant and child CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). CPR can save a child’s life and prevent brain damage that could result in long-term disabilities.
• If you have a swimming pool at home, install a pool fence. A pool fence will limit access to the pool. The pool fence should be at least 4 feet high. Use self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward with latches that are out of reach of children. Also, consider additional barriers such as automatic door locks or alarms to prevent access or notify you if someone enters the pool area.
• Teach children to back float as early as possible. By teaching your child to back float you can reduce their risk of drowning. 
• Store all toys away from water. Toys are tempting to children; never leave them outside around water areas.
• Establish swimming pool safety rules. Children should be taught not to run, jump on, or push others around water. They should be taught that you cannot breathe under water and that they should never hold another child’s head under water. Teaching children not to enter water without your permission or supervision is an important part of pool safety.
• Keep a locked safety cover on a spa. Spas and hot tubs are dangerous for young children who can drown in them. Don’t allow young children to use these facilities.
• Always drain wading pools after children are done playing. Infants can drown in just a few inches of water.
• Don’t rely on flotation devices. Flotation devices (water wings, noodles, inner tubes) are a quick and easy way to allow your children to enjoy the water, but they should never be used as a substitute for supervision.   These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
• Keep rescue equipment by the pool, including a telephone.