Experts Warn Against Common Pool Toys and Offer Essential Water Safety Tips
Pediatricians and safety professionals highlight the dangers of certain flotation devices and provide strategies to prevent drowning incidents.
- Water wings, swim vests, and neck floaties are deemed unsafe as they can slip off or provide a false sense of security.
- Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4, with July having the highest number of incidents.
- Parents are advised to maintain arm’s length supervision and assign a dedicated water watcher to monitor children.
- Proper barriers like safety fences are crucial for preventing unsupervised access to pools at home.
- Starting swimming lessons early and using U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets can significantly enhance water safety.