Local health professionals have advice on how to keep kids safe when swimming
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Mayo Clinic Health System professionals want to remind you that a summer swim can be refreshing, but with waters come responsibilities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about two American children die every day from drowning.
Local health professionals recommend parents and child-care providers learn CPR, use flotation devices, and never leave a child unsupervised in a swimming environment.
They encourage caretakers to teach children how to swim. They say most children 4 or older can learn how to swim. Children younger than 4 should be supervised at arm’s length around the water.
“Also, taking toys out of the pool: because little kids see their toys and bright colorful things and then they want to try reach for it, and that’s when they fall — and then can result in a drowning if you’re not aware,” said Dr. Leighann Gooden, a doctor of osteopathic medicine with Mayo Clinic Health System.
Local health professionals also say to avoid drinking alcohol when supervising children in a swimming environment.
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