Kerrville Parks and Recreation Dept. provides tips for National Water Safety Month

In lieu of National Water Safety Month, the Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department would like to provide some helpful tips to help educate the community in water safety. The No. 1 cause of unintentional injury-related death for children under 5 years old, and a leading cause for children 15 and under is drowning.

It is never safe to assume that a child is safe around water and it is always recommended that an adult actively watch children around water. A good rule of thumb is to always keep children within arm’s reach and to focus on only the child, not distractions such as phones or other people.

Prevention starts with the self-accountability of the swimmer and guardians of young children. It is extremely important that children understand and comprehend the importance of certain rules, such as never running around a pool.

Parents are also advided to encourage children not to swim near or play with drain gates. The powerful suction from drains can trap someone underwater.

Parents are encouraged to learn critical lifesaving techniques and are advised not to consume alcohol while swimming and watching children.

Individuals are reminded that natural bodies of water have currents which, at times, can be difficult to navigate. Always try to be familiar with the area you are swimming in, and never jump, dive or enter water from bridges or dams in the Kerrville park system.

The Parks and Recreation Department provides swim lessons starting at age 6 months and up which are all available at the Olympic Pool. For more information, visit www.kerrvilletx.gov, or call (830) 257-7300.