Summer Swimming Safety Tips from Key Club and Kiwanis International

INDIANAPOLIS, June 20 -- Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death among children ages one to 14, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control; however simple safety precautions can prevent these accidents from occurring. With this in mind and with summer quickly approaching, Key Club International, a Kiwanis-sponsored organization is spreading the word about water safety and the steps children and parents should take to ensure safety in and around any body of water.

Key Club International, a volunteer organization that dedicates more than 12 million hours to schools and communities each year, is looking to educate children, families and the greater community about the dangers of being in or around water without proper supervision, safety equipment and training.

“Key Club International has taken on this water safety initiative because this is an area in which we feel we can make an impact on children’s health and safety,” said Mike Downs, director of Key Club International. “If Key Club can help encourage parents to take simple safety measures and speak to their children about the dangers of swimming, many accidents can be avoided every year.”

Key Clubs all over the globe are leading educational programs that demonstrate to children the importance of being safe when swimming by offering informational books and coordinating activities such as water safety board games and free swimming lessons. In addition, Key Club International is offering several safety tips to parents and children in anticipation of the summer season.

The following are just a few “Smart Steps to Water Safety” for parents and children as recommended by Key Club International:

Parents:

-- Swimming lessons, life jackets and the presence of lifeguards are not substitutes for parental supervision.

-- Do not rely on inflatable “water wings” or air-filled toys as safety devices. -- If you own a pool, be sure it is surrounded on all four sides by a five foot fence that prevents children from getting over, under or through it.

-- A child is more likely to go back in the water if a favorite toy is left floating in the pool. When you leave the water, take toys with you. If you use an inflatable pool, drain it when you are through.

-- Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first-aid and know how to swim yourself.

-- Make sure rescue equipment is easily accessible. Keep telephone and emergency numbers with you.

Kids:

-- Obey the safety rules for the pool, beach, or lake where you swim.

-- Wear a life jacket if you cannot swim.

-- Never go in water alone and always have an adult’s permission.

-- Do not run around the pool.

-- Do not push or jump on others or splash wildly.

For more information about this initiative, please visit http://www.keyclub.org/keyclub/service.

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Founded in 1915, Kiwanis has been a pioneer in empowering community leaders dedicated to local and international community issues. Kiwanis members make their mark by responding to the needs of their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Globally, the entire Kiwanis family has focused humanitarian efforts on eliminating iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), through the Worldwide Service Project, a US$75 million campaign in partnership with UNICEF which began in 1994. Through these efforts, Kiwanis International truly is “Serving the Children of the World.” A typical Kiwanis club is a snapshot of its community, with members from all walks of life. They are unified in their belief that children and their communities benefit from the efforts of a proficient group of caring and involved volunteers. The Kiwanis International family also includes several service organizations for young people, including Circle K, Key Club, Builders Club, K-Kids, Kiwanis Junior and Aktion Club.

Contact Information

Stefanie Geiszler

Media Contact

Kiwanis International

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