128 HAWAII PARENT September/October 2024 Swimming lessons and water training help to reduce the risk of drowning and water-related injuries. Adult supervision – along with other water safety measures – are essential when visiting the pool or ocean. Always assign an adult to be in the water with children. “Supervision is key. Never leave children unsupervised around water,” emphasizes Dr. Diep. “(It’s) best to be with children in the water and always make sure they are within arm’s length. If the parent is unable to be in the water, make sure to assign an adult who is designated to watch the children in the water.” “If you have a pool at the house, best is to make sure the pool has a fence on all sides that are at least four feet high and with minimal spaces in between the slats. Make sure there is a latch, and the latch is always locked,” adds Dr. Diep. Wait until children are at least elementary age to bathe themselves. “(When children are old enough to bathe on their own) depends on the level of maturity of the child,” Dr. Diep discusses. “I would say the best way is to ‘show and tell.’ Demonstrate to your child how to wash, and then let them practice. If children demonstrate they can wash themselves and not skip steps in front of you, then you can allow them to do it themselves.” Beware of other standing water around the home that could be dangerous for drowning. “Keep bathroom doors closed,” says Dr. Diep. “Drain bath water immediately after a bath. And keep toilet lids closed; some people even install a lock so kids can’t open the seat.” “When children are old enough to bathe on their own depends on the level of maturity of the child.”
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