Public Safety: Kids Don’t Float!

By Lisa M. Grisham, CPSTI

 

Safe Kids Cherokee County works diligently during the spring and summer to remind everyone to be safe in and around water. At Lake Allatoona and two locations on the Etowah River, visitors will find Life Jacket Loaner Stations, which are a physical and visual reminder to wear life jackets while boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming.

 

The Army Corps of Engineers, Cherokee Recreation & Parks, Woodstock Parks and Recreation, and Canton Parks & Recreation partner with Safe Kids Cherokee to keep the “use and return” life jackets stocked throughout the season. These items are funded through grants and a generous donation from Northside Hospital Cherokee.

 

The last couple of years set records for boaters, kayakers, canoers, and paddle boarders on the lakes, and it’s looking like this year will be no different. With an increase in people on the water, there is also an increase in risk. The hope is that the loaner stations will serve as a reminder and be an easily accessible option to remain safe. Each of the loaner stations has helpful information to assist users with sizing and wearing a life jacket correctly.

 

If you are taking children to swim at a nearby pool, lake, or river this summer, the most important thing to remember is to maintain active supervision. These tips can keep your children safe:

• Kids under age 6 should stay within arm’s reach when around water — including the bathtub.
• Kids over age 6 who can confidently swim two lengths of the pool without stopping should stay where you can see them.
• Don’t let your guard down. Drowning can happen quickly, silently, and in as little as one inch of water.
• Put away phones and other distractions. Don’t rely on a lifeguard to watch your child. Have a system with other parents where one person is actively supervising and then trade out every 15-30 minutes, so everyone takes a turn.
• Swim lessons are a good idea, but not a replacement for your hands and eyes.
• Use approved flotation devices. Inflatables like swimmies/arm floaties are not dependable.
• Even strong swimmers are at risk for drowning. Talk to your teen about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and risk-taking behaviors in the water.

 

For more water safety information, visit SafeKidsCherokeeCounty.org and follow @safekidscherokeecounty on Facebook. If your child needs a life jacket, please call 678-493-4343 to learn how you can receive one through the Safe Kids program.

 

Safe Kids Cherokee County is a local coalition of community partners who have a common goal to help children and parents be safer at home, at play, and on the road via education and safety equipment distribution. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services is the proud lead agency for the coalition.