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Top 5 Drowning Prevention Safety Tips

I have said it before but it’s important to say it again…

 

DO YOU KNOW THAT DROWNING IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF NON ACCIDENTAL CHILDHOOD DEATH FOR CHILDREN 1-4 AND A CHILD CAN SINK TO THE BOTTOM OF A POOL IN 2 1/2 SECONDS?

 

Unfortunately the statistics are true. But drowning can be prevented. Here are some ways you can become more proactive as a parent in helping prevent your child from drowning. 

 

 

Become CPR Certified 

Many of us new parents take a CPR class when we are pregnant or soon after our first baby is born. But then many of us don’t renew our certification. But let me tell you, it’s a priority. Put it on your to-do list right now. Some classes can be taken online so there is no excuse. I recommend heading to the Red Cross to sign up for a refresher course! I also suggest making sure older siblings are certified as well! 

 

Invest in a Pool Fence

MOST DROWNINGS IN KIDS 4 AND UNDER HAPPEN IN HOME SWIMMING POOLS. If you have a pool, invest in a pool fence with a lock and self latching gate to keep your children away from the pool when you may be distracted. Fences are very effective and have been proven to help prevent childhood drowning. Fences should be at least 4 feet high with a lock and a latch at least 54 inches from the ground. These come in especially handy when a small child crawls out a doggie door and no one is paying attention. Children are quick and accidents happen in a blink of an eye. 

 

Put Alarms on Doors and in Pool 

Do you have a sliding glass door that leads to the backyard or maybe another kind of door that is a straight shot to the pool? I suggest installing sliding glass door locks that go up high enough for an adult to open, but not a child. I also suggest putting locks on windows and investing in an alarm system to beeps or chimes every time a window or door is opened to the outside. This way you will be immediately alerted if your child is escaping to the outside or backyard near the pool. There are even swimming pool alarms that can detect waves on the water’s surface and sound off to attract attention when someone has fallen into the pool.

 

Assign a Water Guardian 

When you and your child is near a body of water, make sure to assign a water guardian to keep eyes on your child. Shout it out and make eye contact with the other adult to make sure they heard you. Switch off as necessary but don’t assume someone else is paying attention or watching unless you say your code word like “water guardian” or something similar. Drownings have happened when multiple adults are within close proximity where no one was a designated water guardian. And if it’s you, make sure to not get too engaged or distracted by being on your phone, talking with another adult, or possibly having too many alcoholic drinks at a party or on vacation. 

 

Drowning Prevention Classes 

I am a big advocate for drowning prevention swim classes. In fact, my children just completed 6 weeks of survival swim classes. We decided to take lessons with So Cal Survival Swim, based in Southern California that helps families in San Diego and Riverside County. You can read all about our entire experience here.

 

 

I chose this elite survival swim program so my children could learn how to float and breathe in the water despite the depth of the pool, with the sole intention to learn how to not drown. Survival swimming specifically teaches children the ability to float and breathe while in the water. Later, down the road, I would like to enroll them in more classes that involve more swim technique, but this was the first essential step in the process. I also love that these classes are uniquely customized to each child’s age, developmental level, ability, and are modified based on their ongoing skill.

 

 

The classes are conducted in a private 90 degree pool, one student at a time. They are structured for 10 minutes a day, Monday-Thursday, for approximately 4-6 weeks, depending on the age and development of your child. When I first heard of this method, I was a little apprehensive because I am used to enrolling my children in 45 minute or hour long sessions once a week, however, children work really hard in 10 minutes and are often tired by the time they are done, and the constant exposure helps ingrain the skills they need on a more structured basis. It takes a lot of energy to learn new challenging tasks and to master something like not drowning! I also thought the daily commitment would be difficult since we always have so much on our plate, but it is definitely doable and we just made it part of our daily routine just like we do when brushing our teeth or eating dinner.

 

 

You can start survival swim classes or infant aquatics as early as six months old. Honestly the earlier the better, but there were children of all ages taking classes. Although there were plenty of babies under the age of 1, there were a lot of toddlers, preschoolers, and even some other children my daughter’s Kindergarten age taking classes. I guess what I’m saying is it’s never too late to help your children learn these essential skills to survive safely in the water. And both of my children loved the classes so much they would ask if they had class on weekends and couldn’t wait until the end of each day to go to class.

 

 

The method used in this program is a SWIM-FLOAT-SWIM sequence. This is a proven method that helps teach your child to learn how to transition from a submerged or face-down position in the water to a face-up position to float, and then repeating until they get to the edge for safety. This life saving skill takes a lot of time, patience, and practice, hence the daily lessons. But, it’s amazing what a small child can learn in just a matter of days and how they can master the ultimate skill in just a few short weeks. Sometimes it takes just one moment for a new skill to developmentally click like most milestones!

 

 

I hope you found these tips helpful!!! To see more of our classes from start to finish please head to my SWIM CLASS HIGHLIGHTS on Instagram!

 

Photos by Victoria Parker Photography

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Awareness and Prevention, Baby, Children, Education, Family, parenthood, Parenting, Safety, San Diego, Southern California, Toddlers 0

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Hello! I am Dr. Kim and I am The Parentologist! I am first and foremost a wife and a mom. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. I hope through my professional and personal experience we can collaborate with each other on how to better ourselves and our relationships with our families and our children.

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TODAY.com Parenting Team Parenting Contributor

About Dr. Kim

Hello! I am Dr. Kim and I am The Parentologist! I am first and foremost a wife and a mom. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. I hope through my professional and personal experience we can collaborate with each other on how to better ourselves and our relationships with our families and our children. Read More…

My Instagram

🇺🇸 What a monumental day in history we had t 🇺🇸 What a monumental day in history we had today! 🇺🇸

As soon as we woke up I started educating my children, specifically my daughter, on what the inauguration meant and why today was such a special day in history. We both were glued to the television as we watched @kamalaharris be sworn in as the first Black South Asian woman Vice President and @joebiden be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. We also were powerfully moved hearing @amandascgorman - the youngest inaugural poet in history recite “The Hill We Climb.” 

My daughter was so excited to participate and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with the rest of the county and she was so proud to see and be a part of history in the making. I haven’t been to Washington D.C. in about 8 years but I promised I would take her one day when the pandemic is over. 

In the meantime, I have a fun fact for you! Did you know that President Joe Biden and I both graduated from the same university? Yep! We both went to @syracuseu 🍊 And in fact, @joebiden is the first @syracuseu alumnus to become President of the United States! 

📸: @chrissywphoto #inauguration #inagurationday #inaguration2021 #joebiden #kamalaharris #presidentbiden #syracuseuniversity #syracuse #syracuseu #historyismade #madamvicepresident #mommyandme #46thpresident #sandiego #sandiegoblogger #momblogger #parentingblogger #motherhood
This time of year is notorious for dry air, allerg This time of year is notorious for dry air, allergies, and sinus trouble. #ad 

And since I work from home, it can get quite noisy and distracting with my husband and two children here, so sometimes I get my best work done in the comfort of my own bed. And the best part is that I can have my new @crane_usa “4 in 1” cool mist humidifier on at all times with essential oils to help with overall wellness and since it comes with a sound machine I can block out the other noises in the house! 

And at night, it helps my sinuses as I sleep, especially when the dry air of the heater is on, and it has a nightlight so my kids can see where they are going in the middle of the night when they inevitably need water or a hug! 

This is our 6th #cranehumidifier style and it’s my favorite one yet! Check out my stories for a closer look! 👀 #happyhealthyhumidity 

#humidifier #coldandflu #humidifiers #peaceandquiet #workingfromhome #workingmom #working #coldandfluseason #coldandflurelief #winter #winterstyle #wintertime #wintervibes #winter2021 #wahm #wahmlife #wahmlifestyle #workfromhomemom #workfromhomelife #workfromhome #workathomemom #workathome #workathomelife #newmom #babyshowergift #sinusrelief
{New Blog Post} “How to Teach Children Gratitude {New Blog Post} “How to Teach Children Gratitude” 🌱✨🌸

Throwing it back to one of the first mommy and me photos I ever posted on my feed because I’ve been teaching my daughter about gratitude since she was this little, possibly even younger (she is two here for reference)! 

Gratitude is such an important virtue and must have trait to build a child’s character. It also shows therapeutic benefits when you show gratitude to others, so why wouldn’t you want to make it a priority to teach and instill in your children? 

In this blog, I have suggestions for how to teach children gratitude broken down by ages and stages from infancy to teenage years, while also including some conversation prompts, and links to my favorite gratitude journals for busy families that we use here at home! 

Find the direct link to read in my bio and stories! I also published similar articles on @todayparents and @redtricycle if you follow me there! #drkimblog
DOUBLE TAP if you agree!! 🙋🏼‍♀️ I am DOUBLE TAP if you agree!! 🙋🏼‍♀️

I am that mom who wants to do it all and when I get overwhelmed or start suffering from a major case of burnout, I feel guilty if I take a break instead of giving my body and mind permission to slow down or even stop. 

As moms we often feel guilty if we take a break or believe we are perceived as weak if we ask for help. I have learned that the more I ask for help and the more time I take for myself, the better I am for my children. 

Guilt is an emotional response to something you perceived you did wrong, but when you experience unnecessary guilt, it’s counterproductive to healing and helping you with what you need most. So give it a try and let me know how you are going to take a break and not feel guilty about it this week below in the comments! ⤵️ #drkimparentingtips #theparentologist #drkimparentingadvice
DOUBLE TAP if you used to love Hello Kitty when yo DOUBLE TAP if you used to love Hello Kitty when you were little - and still do! 🙋🏼‍♀️🐱#ad

I am so excited to have all of these new items from the @erincondren Hello Kitty collection that launched today to keep work fun, playful, and reminiscent of childhood - something all adults need a little more of, am I right? 

The collection is all about organization, kindness, and friendship. My favorite piece of the collection is the “Daily Kindness and Joy Journal” that boldly says BE KIND, BE NICE, REPEAT on the front cover but I am also pretty obsessed with the Hello Kitty x Erin Condren Pencil Case and Vegan Leather Padfolio! 

Swipe to see my business attire on top and activewear on the bottom work style! 😉 And head to my stories to see it all up close and for your convenience I have everything linked for you http://liketk.it/35XZC and make sure to follow me at THEPARENTOLOGIST @liketoknow.it  for more of my favorites!!! #liketkit #erincondren
{New Blog Post} “Sensory Play, Pretend Play, and {New Blog Post} “Sensory Play, Pretend Play, and Role Play Ideas for Children with Autism” 🧩 🧸 🚂 ⚽️ 
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For the last 3 years I have spent my career therapeutically helping families and children of all ages on the Autism Spectrum. Play has been a fundamental way for many of my clients to communicate if they are non-verbal. And some of my clients have had to be taught how to play with a toy or another person. The play ideas listed on the blog can be used with children with or without special needs. Play is a universal way a child can explore their world in a way that makes sense to them and cultivate imagination, creativity, and fun! As a Registered Play Therapist, I love the work I do and couldn’t be prouder of the progress my clients have made with play over the years! #drkimblog
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#autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismspectrum #autismcommunity #autismparent #autismlife #autismparents #autismparenting #autistickids #autisticchildren #autistictoddler #autismresources #playtherapy #playtherapist #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #activitiesforkids #activitiesfortoddlers #activitiesforchildren #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #sensoryprocessingdisorder #sensoryactivities #momswhoblog #ontheblog #newblogpost #parentingblogger #momblogger
{New Blog Post} ✨🌱🧴“Ways to Take Control {New Blog Post} ✨🌱🧴“Ways to Take Control of Your Eczema” #ad 
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These winter months have been so dry and my eczema has been flaring up. Can anyone relate? For decades I have used a variety of treatment options from over-the-counter ointments and lotions to doctor prescribed steroid medication. In today’s blog, I am partnering with @mediqcme to share more of my story and struggles with atopic dermatitis as well as some new treatment options! If you or a loved one suffer from eczema or atopic dermatitis it’s a must read! 
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Plus there is a survey at the end of the blog you can fill out and opt in to be entered to win 1 of 10 VISA gift cards! 🙌🏻 Link in bio and in stories! #itchyskinhelp #drkimblog
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#eczema #eczemarelief #eczemahealing #eczematreatment #eczemaproblems #eczemawarrior #atopicdermatitis #itchyskin #itchyskinrelief #atopicskin #atopicdermatitistreatment #atopicdermatitismanagement #eczemamanagement #winterskincare #winterskin #winterskincareroutine #winterskincaretips #newblogpost #momswhoblog #ontheblog #wellnessblogger #wellnesstips #wellnessexpert
{New Blog Post} 🌿 “How to Utilize Play to Get {New Blog Post} 🌿 “How to Utilize Play to Get Your Kids to Do What You Want” 
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As a Registered Play Therapist, play is the foundation to the way I help children conceptualize and conquer the world. Play is second nature to children and the way they respond to many of life’s obstacles. Sometimes as parents, it is easy to get into a power match with your children, especially when you want your children to comply with a request and they won’t budge. When this happens, we need to change the way our adult mind thinks and switch it to the way a child thinks. Instead of giving them a punitive consequence, try these play recommendations that can be used with children as young as toddlerhood all the way to adolescents! #drkimblog 
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#playtherapy #playtherapist #therapistsofinstagram #playoutsidethebox #learningthruplay #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #parenting #parentingtips #parenting101 #parentingteens #parentingtweens #parentingtoddlers #parentingadvice #parentingexpert #parentingblogger #parentingblog #newblogpost #ontheblog #momswhoblog #parenthood #toddlerproblems #toddlermom #behaviortherapist #behaviortherapy #positiveparentingsolutions #positiveparentingtips #positiveparenting
{New Blog Post} “Tips on How To Set Goals Effect {New Blog Post} “Tips on How To Set Goals Effectively in 2021” ✨ 
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It’s is usually around this time that I start thinking of the goals I want to accomplish for the year. And whether you believe in making resolutions, affirmations, or goals, it is time to be proactive!! On the blog, I outlined an organizational system I use year after year to help me accomplish my goals. And I hope they work for you!! 
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What are some of your goals you want to accomplish this year? 
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#2021 #2021goals #goals #goalsetting #goalgetter #goalsettingtips #goalsetter #goalsetting2021 #goalcrusher #momhustle #snowday #snowman #newgoals #newgoals2021 #mommyandme #letthembelittle #letthembekids #letthemplay #playoutside #playoutdoors #playoutsidethebox #familyday #familyfun #familysnowday
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