Preventing incidents of drowning at home

The water in common household items can be dangerous for young children.

A baby can drown in just 2.5 centimeters of water. A curious toddler can fall into a toilet, bucket or fish tank or pond.

Supervision is the very best way to help prevent kids from getting injured. Even the most vigilant parent will however struggle to keep a child 100% safe and away from harm at all times.

It is up to the parents to do everything possible not only to exercise parental supervision and to try and child proof the home. This may be difficult but we would like to offer the following suggestions:

• Keep the bathroom door closed.
• Shut the doors (and install doorknob covers) to any room a child shouldn’t enter.
• For sliding doors, doorknob covers and childproof locks are also great for keeping little ones from leaving your home.
• Supervise bath time. Never leave a child alone in the bathtub or in the care of another child.
• If you must answer the telephone or door, don’t rely on an older sibling to watch the baby; wrap your baby in a towel and bring him or her with you.
• Drain water from the tub immediately after use.
• Shut toilet lids. Install childproof locks on toilet lids.
• Store buckets safely and empty buckets and other containers immediately after use.
• Don’t leave them outside, where they may accumulate water.
• If you have a hot tub, keep it drained or securely covered when not in use.

Article by lowvelder.co.za