Keeping Kids Safe Around Water This Summer
DECATUR— Oceans, lakes, rivers and backyard pools are some of the top destinations for
families over the summer months. Even though these trips to relax or play in the water are fun,
there are some tips parents should follow to keep their kids safe.
“Drowning is the second leading cause of death due to an injury in children aged one to 14,” said
Dr. Ryan Jennings, chief medical officer of HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital and board-certified
pediatrician. “Taking precautions and following established guidelines could save your child’s
life.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even nonfatal drownings
can result in long-term health problems. For every child who dies from drowning, another eight
receive treatment in emergency departments. Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and lead
to serious health complications.
The CDC provides some basic tips to keep your family safe around water this summer.
• Learn basic swimming and water safety skills
o Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. Children who have
had swimming lessons still need close and constant supervision when in or around
water.
• Supervise closely
o Designate a responsible adult to supervise closely and constantly when children
are in or near water. Adults watching kids in or near water should avoid
distracting activities like reading, using the phone, and consuming alcohol or
drugs, because drowning happens quickly and quietly.
• Wear a life jacket
o Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning while boating for people of all ages and
swimming abilities. Life jackets should be used by children for all activities while
in and around any body of water, including swimming pools.
• Learn CPR
o Your CPR skills could save someone’s life in the time it takes for paramedics to
arrive.
For more information on water safety, visit www.cdc.gov/drowning.
For more information about HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, visit stmarysdecatur.com.
About HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital
Founded in 1878 by three Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital is a 230-bed, all private room health care facility that combines modern technology with the caring spirit of the original founders. St. Mary’s is situated on an attractive 21-acre campus overlooking Lake Decatur and offers a broad spectrum of comprehensive health services, including the latest diagnostic equipment, interventional cardiology, surgical and medical intervention, emergency medical care, outpatient radiation therapy, pain management and a sleep center. St. Mary’s also offers a wide range of community education and wellness programs. The hospital also has both a unique intergenerational day services program and the community’s only provider of hospital-based behavioral health services for all ages.
Learn more by visiting www.stmarysdecatur.com.
About Hospital Sisters Health System
Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high-quality Franciscan health care ministry. HSHS provides state-of-the-art health care to our patients and is dedicated to serving all people, especially the most vulnerable, at each of our physician practices and 15 local hospitals in two states – Illinois (Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, O’Fallon, Shelbyville and Springfield) and Wisconsin (Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan and two in Green Bay). HSHS is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, and Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the founding institute. For more information about HSHS, visit www.hshs.org.
For more information about Hospital Sisters of St.Francis, visit www.hospitalsisters.org.
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