How kids can stay safe in the water

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – We spoke with the local American Red Cross Chapter about how to keep your kids safe in the water this summer season.

Kids are getting ready to hit the water, but they need to be safe before they even dive in. Having your kids as prepared as possible through things like swim classes can make a world of difference. Christie Caster, Executive Director of the Western Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, said, “Swim safety is super important for children, especially younger children. It’s the leading cause of death for kids one to four years old. Knowing how to swim, having basic swim skills, and information about water safety can actually reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.”

It is also important to watch your kids while they are swimming and never leave them alone. If your kids aren’t experienced swimmers, having a fitted life jacket is important. And on the river, it’s a requirement. “Make sure that if kids are not experienced swimmers or are younger and not quite there yet, that they’re wearing a Coast Guard approved fitted life jacket. Super important on the river of course because of the water being so swift,” said Caster.

And should the worse happen, stay calm and be prepared. Caster suggests becoming CPR certified before the summer so you can help in an emergency situation. “Get CPR certified. Know what to do in that situation. There are classes here available in the Grand Valley throughout different entities. That’s going to be the number one thing because you’re going to feel prepared to be able to respond in that situation,” said Caster.

Caster also says a great place for kid swim lessons is a recreation center since they are certified to teach. Also, the American Red Cross has a free water safety program for kids called “WHALE Tales”, which stands for Water Habits Are Learned Early. Here is a link to it, https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/teach-water-safety/whale-tales.

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