With summer here, we all like to cool off in the water. Idaho has an abundance of lakes and rivers that offer great opportunities to recreate. But the water can be dangerous, and tragedies happen in a blink of an eye. Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 14. Water accidents are also a major cause of life-altering brain injuries every year. There’s simply no substitute for 100% supervision. Always watch your children whenever they’re around water, and remember: Don’t just be there, be aware.

• Never take your eyes off children in the water
• While supervising, stay alert and avoid distractions
• Learn infant and child CPR https://www.redcross.org/local/idaho/take-a-class/cpr-boise-id
• Keep a telephone nearby in case of an emergency
• Empty all buckets and wading pools after use
• Never leave children in a bathtub alone or with an older brother or sister
• Install child safety locks on toilet lids in households with toddlers

Pool and Hot Tub Safety

• If a child is missing, always check the pool first
• Enclose pools with self-closing and locking fences
• Teach children to swim, but remember, there’s no substitute for supervision

Open Water and Boating Safety

• Use approved life jackets https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php
• Read and obey all posted rules
• Never dive into unknown water
• Install a carbon monoxide detector aboard your houseboat