As summer arrives in Akron, the community is taking proactive steps to ensure water safety, particularly for young children. Heather Trnka, the injury prevention manager at Akron Children’s Hospital, highlights the increased risk of drowning during the 106 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, especially for children aged 1 to 4. To combat this, several local organizations are offering free water safety classes to help residents become more comfortable and alert in and around water.

Water Safety Initiatives

These classes aim to educate both children and adults on essential water safety practices. Participants can learn to become proficient swimmers through various lessons available locally. As pools open and water-related vacations are planned, it’s crucial for adults to understand prevention guidelines, including recognizing the signs of drowning and knowing which life jackets are Coast Guard-approved.

Trnka emphasizes the importance of water safety, noting that drowning is often silent, with no noise or splashing. Signs of drowning include a lack of movement or response. She advises that no one should swim alone, as unexpected incidents like leg cramps or heart attacks can occur.

Role of Water Watchers

Designating a water watcher is a key safety measure. This adult is responsible for monitoring the water for any signs of distress or emergencies. Water watchers should rotate every 15 minutes to maintain alertness and should not be children or siblings of swimmers.

Parents are encouraged to ask water safety questions when enrolling children in swim lessons or summer camps. These questions can provide insight into the safety measures and supervision in place, potentially saving lives.

Swimming Lessons and Safety Tools

Swim lessons are recommended for all ages, starting as early as age one. These lessons teach more than just swimming techniques; they also cover safety tips like entering water feet first and identifying hazards. While swim lessons are beneficial, they do not make swimmers drownproof. Conditions can change rapidly, and safety tools like U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests are essential in natural bodies of water and on boats.

Trnka stresses that adults who can’t swim often have children who can’t swim, highlighting the importance of swim education for all ages. By taking these precautions, Akron aims to reduce the number of water-related accidents and ensure a safe summer for all residents.

Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.