Water Safety
§ 75% of submersion victims studied by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) were between 1 & 3 years old; 65 % were boys. Toddlers, in particular, often do something unexpected because their capabilities change daily.
§ One or both parents were supervising most children.
§ 46% of the children were last seen in the house.
§ 69% of the children were not expected to be at or near the water.
§ Barriers (fence, door alarms and safety latches) are not childproof, but they provide layers of protection.*
§ Appoint a "designated watcher" to protect children during social gatherings near the water.
§ Do not leave toys near the water, they can attract young children to the water.
§ Do not consider young children to be drown-proof because they have had swimming lessons.
§ Instruct babysitters about water hazards.
*
References on Barnacle Infections:
http://www.chesapeakeboating.net/Publications/Chesapeake-Bay-Magazine/2006/May-2006/Just-a-Scratch-.aspx
http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/Marine_Life_Trauma
* Pool safety for home pools:
https://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/122222/pool.pdf