In a groundbreaking move on October 25, 2023, the governor of New York signed into law a mandate requiring hospitals to provide new parents with an educational video on water safety. This pioneering initiative is the first of its kind in the nation. It aims to arm parents with crucial knowledge about the dangers of infant drowning and evidence-based prevention measures. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1–4. For this reason, raising public awareness about these risks is crucial.

Recognizing Water Hazards

The video addresses various facets of water safety education. Water safety education covers essential topics to ensure a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding children in and around water. One key area is the recognition of water hazards. Importantly, these hazards include swimming pools and bathtubs. Additionally, hazards extend to less conspicuous locations such as toilets and natural bodies of water.

Vigilant Supervision

Vigilant supervision is a fundamental principle in water safety education. Parents must constantly watch when infants and children engage in water activities regardless of the water's depth. Infants' unpredictable movements combined with minimal water can pose a significant drowning risk. Consequently, even seemingly harmless settings like bath time demand meticulous supervision.

Important Childproofing Measures

Childproofing measures are crucial strategies to minimize the risk of water-related accidents within the home environment. Securing pool access with barriers to prevent unsupervised entry is key. Additionally, installing toilet lid locks and draining standing water in tubs when not in use is vital. Further, consistently closing bathroom doors is a great additional preventive measure.

The new law marks a significant stride toward creating a safer environment for children in and around water. Undoubtedly, the call to action extends beyond awareness. Parents should consider enrolling their children in swim lessons to fortify their water safety knowledge. Infant swim lessons provide parents with in-depth information about creating a secure aquatic environment, recognizing potential hazards, and responding effectively to water-related emergencies. For this reason, children of the Sound offers exclusive parent and baby swim classes. Our instructors foster early water confidence while equipping you and your little one with vital safety skills. Contact us today to learn more!