Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department gives water safety tips

With summer almost here, the Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department, in lieu of National Water Safety Month, is reminding citizens of some water safety tips.  The number one cause of unintentional injury-related death for children 15 and under is drowning.  

It is highly recommended that parents and adults always be present when children are around water, 

Experts suggest that young children should always be within an arm’s reach, and adults shouldn’t be distracted by phones or other people.

Parents are reminded to never assume a child is safe in water despite them having access to floats, noodles or kickboards.

It is recommended that parents and guardians teach children to practice safety measures around water and introduce children to the lifeguards.  The most crucial safety measure is for children to learn how to swim.

Other safety tips include:  wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets,  stay away from water drains’  learn C.P.R. and first-aid skills’  never swim alone’  teach children to wait for a grown-up before entering water’ don’t play breath holding games’  take breaks when needed and be extremely cautious when swimming in natural bodies of water.

The Kerrville Parks and Recreation Dept. offers swim lessons for children starting at 6 months of age.  For additional information, visit www.kerrvilletx.gov/1579/swim-lessons.