Summer Means Water Recreation and Safety
Almost half the people out there are going to seek waterways and pools for recreation this summer with their children will do so in areas where there is no lifeguard present.
This makes it more important than ever to keep a close eye on your children. It doesn't matter whether you are swimming or boating in the ocean or at a lake. Any type of water can present a danger to children. It is a known fact that very young children can drown in less than 2 inches of water.
Boating can be an especially dangerous activity for children. Here are some tips for keeping your children safe while boating:
- Learn to swim and have your children learn as well
- Avoid swimming or boating while intoxicated
- Avoid swimming or boating alone or in bad weather
- Supervise children when they are in the water
- Learn life saving skills like CPR and first aid
- If on a boat, have life saving equipment available
- Keep a first aid kit close by
- Do not get distracted while supervising your children while in the water
- Stay within arm's reach of your children while they are swimming
Even if children know how to swim, it doesn't mean that they can be left unsupervised or out of reach while anywhere near water. Flotation devices are required to be worn by children under the age of 10 years old when on any moving watercraft. A child will need to be wearing a Coast Guard approved life vest that fits the child for his or her weight and size. It is advisable to make sure your children try their life vests on to ensure a proper fit. If your child is under the age of 5 years old, then the vest should have a strap that goes between the legs and a head support.
While having fun this summer should be an option for everyone, it should not come at the expense of safety. We urge those throughout Georgia to take the time to make sure that their children are safe when on the water.
Most drowning accidents can be prevented, and you can play a key role in protecting the children you love by following simple safety precautions. Unfortunately, over the last 27 years our Georgia personal injury attorneys at Montlick & Associates have seen a number of serious injuries and wrongful death from water-related accidents. These were accidents that could have been avoided.
Our Atlanta, Georgia boat accident lawyers are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.