Preventing Drownings: Eyes on the Child's Water Safety Campaign

INDIANAPOLIS — As the summer heat rises, parents are reminded of the importance of water safety. Lolly, a parent, keeps a close eye on her one-year-old son Edmund whenever he's near water.

“If he’s coming to the water, I come with him," she said.

The Fourth of July is just days away, and it's one of the biggest swimming and boating holidays of the year. However, drowning is a leading cause of death for children aged one to four years old, according to the CDC.

“Sometimes we aren’t paying attention as much as we should be because we’re interacting with adults or friends or media, instead of watching our kids," Director of Prevent Child Abuse Indiana (PCAIN) Jeff Wittman said.

PCAIN is launching a new campaign called “Eyes on the Child: Water Safety" to prevent child abuse and neglect. The campaign aims to educate parents on how to keep their children safe near water.

Here are some tips to keep your child safe this summer:

• Designate a "Water Watcher," a responsible adult who actively supervises children near water without distractions
• Avoid cell phones and other electronic distractions while supervising children
• Teach kids about water safety and enroll them in age-appropriate swimming lessons
• Learn CPR and ensure all caregivers and babysitters are trained in basic water safety
• Empty bathtubs, kiddie pools, and containers immediately after use
• Install pool alarms and safety covers for added protection

As part of the campaign, PCAIN is distributing Water Watcher Badges across the state this summer.

“Try to identify that it’s my turn to watch the kid. I’m going to turn my entire attention to them. When it’s someone else’s turn, I’ll pass the badge to them so we can give our children the best of our attention," he said.