How to keep your child safer this summer

Keeping cool here in Florida, especially during the summer months, makes water play a very popular activity. Water safety should be a parent's No. 1 priority.

Children need constant supervision around water – whether that water is in a bathtub, a wading pool, pond, swimming pool, spa, the beach, a lake, fountain or while boating.

Young children are especially vulnerable – they can drown in less than 2 inches of water. That means drowning can happen where you'd least expect it – the sink, the toilet bowl, fountains, buckets, inflatable pools or small bodies of standing water around your home, such as ditches filled with rainwater. Always watch children closely when they're in or near any body of water, even in areas that may be supervised by lifeguards. Sadly, Florida loses more children younger than 5 to drowning than any other state.

Children should be taught to swim. Enroll your child in an age-appropriate swim lesson. Call your local American Red Cross (800-RED-CROSS or support@redcrosstraining.org) or the YMCA of Fort Myers (275-9622) to inquire about lessons for your child's age. Be sure that the instructors are certified swim instructors. Until your child is an expert swimmer, set some guidelines. Always have your child within arms distance while in the water. Instruct your child to always wait for an adult to go in the water. Have your child wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket but do not solely rely on the life jacket to protect your child.

Take precautions around your home. Fencing barriers should be placed around pools to prevent children from gaining access to the pool area. Fences should be at least 4 feet high and have self-closing latches that are out of the reach of the children. If your child is missing, always look in the pool first. Every second counts in preventing a death.

Although you may be diligent about water safety, accidents are still possible. Prepare for an emergency by learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. Your action can save your child's life.

–— Nancy Kelskey is director of the ABC Learning Center of Fort Myers.