Must read!

Summertime is in full swing. For a large amount of people that means trips to the pool, beach, lake, etc. I am one of those crazy people that is afraid of water. Not that I don't get in the water, but I'm always worried about the dangers of it. And now that I have children, that fear has multiplied by a million. Something can happen in a matter of seconds!!

I recently read this article called "Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning". I think it's an article everyone should read!! If you don't have the time to read it now, at least read this part (PLEASE!!) I can honestly say, I had no idea what drowning looks like. From the article:

Drowning does not look like drowning – Dr. Pia, in an article in the Coast Guard’s On Scene Magazine, described the instinctive drowning response like this:

1. Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing. Speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Breathing must be fulfilled, before speech occurs.
2. Drowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface of the water. The mouths of drowning people are not above the surface of the water long enough for them to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. When the drowning people’s mouths are above the surface, they exhale and inhale quickly as their mouths start to sink below the surface of the water.
3. Drowning people cannot wave for help. Nature instinctively forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface. Pressing down on the surface of the water, permits drowning people to leverage their bodies so they can lift their mouths out of the water to breathe.
4. Throughout the Instinctive Drowning Response, drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements. Physiologically, drowning people who are struggling on the surface of the water cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer, or reaching out for a piece of rescue equipment.
5. From beginning to end of the Instinctive Drowning Response people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water from 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs.

(Source: On Scene Magazine: Fall 2006 (page 14))

So while you are out enjoying some summer fun just please remember to be safe, never leave children alone in the water, and always be close by!! The article ended with this, and I think I'll end the same way:

" And parents – children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you get to them and find out why."

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A must read!!

Once you have children, you quickly learn that everything in your house can be dangerous. Some people go the minimalist route with childproofing, while others don't want to take any chances and they child proof everything humanly possible.

No matter where you fall when it comes to childproofing, the bathroom is one place we all need to pay special attention to. Because of all of the sad stories I have heard of accidents with children in bathrooms, I feel like it's one of the most important things we should learn about and remember, and pay special attention to.

Here are some important things to remember to keep your child safe.

--The most important of all: Never, never, never, ever leave your child alone in the bathtub! It is unsafe to leave a child under the age of 6 alone in the bathtub. Children can drown in a matter of seconds, and even those that are accustom to spending time in water. So if you are giving your child a bath and the phone rings, someone comes to the door, or your other child starts doing something they shouldn't, don't let that pull you away. Those things can wait and the safety of your child is most important. If you're the only one at home when you give your child a bath, make sure you get everything you need before getting them in the bathtub.

And remember, kids are top heavy. So make sure you are in the bathroom even when you are filling to tub. If your child leans into the bathtub as you are filling it, they can fall in head first.

I honestly can't stress the importance of this enough!

--Keep bathrooms locked at all times when you aren't in there with your child. I know this sounds inconvenient, but we all know what sneaky little critters our children can be, and they can get themselves into some trouble (but most importantly into some danger) if they sneak in there alone.

--Make sure you set your hot-water thermostat between 100-125 degrees Fahrenheit. If you put your hand under the hot water and it's uncomfortable, it's too hot. It doesn't take long for water that's too hot to burn your child.

--Don't let your child get in the bathtub until your are done filling the bath. The temperature of the water can change for different reasons and you don't want it to get too hot while they are in there.

--Don't allow your child to touch the taps. If you start with this rule now, it can make it easier later on when they are strong enough to turn the water off and on themselves.

--Install nonslip mats or decals to help prevent falls. It's also a good idea to make a no standing rule when it comes to bath time. And make sure there is a mat outside of the bathtub to avoid falls when they are getting out with slippery feet.

--Install a faucet cover over the bathtub taps. These are inexpensive and can be found at most department or children's stores. If there are any falls in the bathtub it can help prevent them hitting the faucet.

--Find a safe place to keep cleaning supplies, razors, mouthwash, electrical appliances, and beauty products. Make sure they are locked away. And remember if you put them up somewhere high, our kids can be good at finding a chair or something else to climb onto to get something they want.

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