Swimming Safety Tips For Summer From Local Fire Union

From Professional Firefighters of Clackamas County, IAFF Local 1159: Professional Firefighters Association of Clackamas County, Local 1159 Offer Water Safety Tips for Children

According to the CDC, drowning is the number-one cause of accidental death in children under the age of four.

“Whether it’s in a tub or a pool, water of any depth can be dangerous for kids,” says Local 1159 spokesperson Nate Hon.

Local 1159 firefighters advise that by taking proper precautions, accidental drowning can be prevented.

Your Local 1159 firefighters have joined Nationwide’s “Make Safe Happen” campaign to create greater awareness of water safety and protect children from accidental drowning.

“As the weather warms up and more people head to our local rivers and lakes it’s important to always be prepared with a life jacket. Life jackets are the number one way to prevent drownings while in and around water ways," says Hon.

Important safety tips include:

• Always be in arm’s distance from your child
• Always wear a life jacket in and around water
• Stay clear of drains
• Install a fence around your home pool
• Learn CPR and first aid
• Always have a phone with you to call for help

“Kids love to make a splash, but they often don’t know their limits,” says Hon. “That’s why we need to actively watch them when they’re in and around water."

For more information about water safety, visit MakeSafeHappen.com.

For potentially life-threatening water rescue emergencies, have your phone on you, know your location and call 9-1-1 so your local fire department can respond.

Local 1159, Professional Firefighters Association of Clackamas County represents over 300 firefighters from Lake Oswego Fire Department, Clackamas Fire District, Canby Fire District, Estacada Fire District, Molalla Fire District and Silverton Fire District.

Image via Professional Firefighters of Clackamas County, IAFF Local 1159