By Shelley Klahs
Living in Florida offers year-round exposure to water, from natural sources like ponds, rivers, lakes, and oceans to everyday items around the home. Household risks include buckets, wells, cisterns, septic tanks, hot tubs, pools, landscape ponds, bathtubs, sinks, fish tanks, and toilets. Even one inch of water can be dangerous for babies. Always empty containers like buckets, baby pools, and bathtubs that collect water.
Drowning can happen to anyone, quickly, and often silently. Water safety involves multiple layers, and using all of them together can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance reports that nearly 70% of child drownings occur during non-swimming activities, highlighting the need for barriers and alarms to prevent accidental access to water.
Inside and around our homes, it’s crucial to maintain barriers to water access. Ensure residential sliding doors close properly and never leave them open. Regularly inspect and maintain pool fences and gates, especially after extreme weather, to prevent gaps. Keep furniture and play structures at least four feet away from fences to deter climbing.
The CDC notes that over half of Americans don’t know how to swim. Learning basic water safety skills is vital, though not a guarantee against drowning. Supervision by a capable adult is essential, and always check water first if a child is missing.
In natural bodies of water, additional risks like rip tides and flood debris exist. Use USCG-certified life jackets sized appropriately and always fastened. Educate yourself about emergency preparedness, including CPR and the location of rescue equipment.
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