Name:   Survival Swim Lady - Subject:   Water safety - Keeping it safe around the dock! Date:   4/6/2020 1:38:53 PM

In case you haven't seen my other posts - Water safety and drowning prevention are my passion as drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4.

Even though survival swim lessons are not an option currently because all the pools are shut down , there is still a lot you can do to keeping it safe around the water. So this week I offer some tips for dock safety!

1. Paint or tape a brightly colored ‘do not cross’ line on that dock at least 2-3 feet from the edge of the dock, and teach your child that they should never cross that line without a parent

2. Dock pylons are often covered in algae or barnacles and it can be impossible to hold on if they fall in the water. Instead install a PVC piping on the pylons of the dock so there is something for your child to hold onto if he/she falls into the water

3. Keep your dock well illuminated

4. Remove submerged debris from around the dock

5. Make periodic hive, nest and habitat checks for ants, wasps, bees, snakes, spiders, etc. Getting stung on the dock can be more dangerous than being stung near home

6. Install an alarm or horn on your dock. Teach the sound of it to your neighbors and learn theirs too.

7. Never ignore a dog barking on a dock

8. Keep old fishing lines, unused ropes and other discarded items free from under the dock. Getting tangled in these is like trying to swim through a drift net

For more water safety tips visit www.infantswim.com.

Here's to a safe and fun summer!