How Do I Keep My Kids Safe Around the Pool?

As seen in the July/August 2019 issue of Advancing Care.

For infants and toddlers, having a closed-off pool area is the key to safety. “Build or install a self-latching gate with childproof locks and, ideally, an audible alert when motion is detected in the water,” says Darshan Patel, MD, Chief of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth).

Also, teach your children how to swim. “Poor technique can lead to exhaustion and disorientation, which increases the risk of drowning,” he says. Encourage your children to take frequent swim breaks, to prevent dehydration and fatigue.

It also is critical to remain vigilant around the pool: Dr. Patel urges families to maintain a ratio of one adult for every two children for optimal supervision.

Do you have a health-related question for a WMCHealth physician or specialist?
Email your questions to [email protected], with “Just the Facts” in the subject heading. Your question may be featured in a future issue.

Visit us at  Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of Westchester Medical Center Health Network, to learn more. Advancing Care. Here.