HealthWatch

Tips for a Safe Fourth of July

“Bombs bursting in air” is an Independence Day tradition, but unfortunately, many family festivities are ruined when someone becomes seriously injured. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it’s estimated that 11,500 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries in 2021, with a 25% increase in firework-related injuries between 2006 and 2021. About 32% of the emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries in 2021 were for burns, with hands and fingers (an estimated 31% of injuries) and head, face, and ears (an estimated 21% of injuries) most often injured by fireworks. To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the National Council on Fireworks Safety offers the following tips:

• Always read and follow label directions.

• Have an adult present.

• Buy from reliable sellers and stay away from illegal explosives.

• Use outdoors only and always have water and a bucket handy.

• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.

• Light only one firework at a time and never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 15–20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your outdoor trash bin.

• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

• Always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.

Make sure to go over the rules with everyone who is present— even the younger kids. Talk to older kids about leading by example for the younger ones.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Brush Up On Life Jacket Safety

California State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) encourages all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills to prepare for boating season. Make the most of your family's boating adventure by being responsible. One of the important safety measures to take while boating is wearing a life jacket.

“With the weather warming up, the snow melting from this year’s historic snowpack and boaters heading out to the water, it is crucial that life jackets are worn at all times while boating,” says DBW’s Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “Just like you wear your seatbelt in the car, wearing a life jacket while boating is one layer of prevention to avoid unnecessary tragedy.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of five recreational boating fatalities in 2021 and that 83% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Newer styles of life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight, and stylish compared to the bulky, orange life jackets of the past. There are innovative options that are much cooler in the warmer weather and allow mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, or paddling.

Heed these helpful tips for selecting and maintaining life jackets:

• U.S. Coast Guard–Approved: Wear only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets while boating. Look for the approval number located on the inside label.

• Proper Fit: Life jackets are sized by weight and chest measurements. An adult-sized life jacket is not suitable for a child, as the life jacket may be too large and may ride up around their face or even slip off. Always check the fit of the child’s life jacket before entering the water.

• Intended Boating Activity: Make sure that the life jacket is approved for the specific boating activity in which you plan to participate.

• Good Condition: Check the life jacket before use to ensure it is in good condition. Replace a life jacket that has faded labels, rips, tears, mildew, loose or missing straps, frayed webbing, or broken zippers or buckles. If an inflatable life jacket is used, check recommendations from the manufacturer on the CO2 canister and arming mechanism, and replace as necessary.

• Children and Life Jackets: Under California law, every child under 13 years of age on a moving recreational vessel of any length, must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket in serviceable condition and of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the activity. Many cities and counties also have regulations about children and youth life jacket requirements along rivers and lakes. Always check with local managers about life jacket rules.

• Life Jacket Loaner Program: DBW partners with local agencies to ensure boaters have access to life jackets. A life jacket can be borrowed from more than 100 life jacket loaner stations throughout the state. Visit dbw.parks.ca.gov and search "Life Jacket Loaner Program" for a loaner station near you.

–The California Department of Parks and Recreation

Swim Safely This Summer

In light of recent high-profile drownings and the number of drownings increasing overall, the importance of water safety for young children cannot be overstated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1–4. Research shows formal swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%, making it essential for parents to take proactive measures to help keep their children safe around water.

Melissa McGarvey, Aquatics Director with British Swim School, emphasizes that infants as young as three months old can start to learn important swim skills that could potentially save their lives.

“Water acclimation programs relieve fear and promote confidence for swimmers no matter if they are just starting lessons at 3 months old, or if they are coming for the first time as a 3-yearold. This process will increase a child’s awareness of the water and their ability to respond to novel situations,” says McGarvey. “Once they have mastered water acclimation, they can move on to learning survival skills such as submersion and floating on their back with their ears in the water.”

One of the key benefits of starting swim lessons at a young age is that children are still developing their cognitive and physical abilities, which means they are more open and receptive to learning new skills. This makes it easier for them to learn important skills that will help keep them safer in and around water as they grow older.

McGarvey is passionate about giving parents peace of mind having their kids around the water. She says teaching lifesaving skills is important for all ages. “When a child is crawling, they‘re moving and they’re mobile, they should learn to and instinctively know how to roll on their back and float,” she adds.

So, how should you start the process of looking for swim lessons? The first step is to find a reputable swim school in your area. Look for a school with experienced instructors and one that always has a certified lifeguard. In addition, it’s important that as a parent, you are able to stay on the premises to observe the lessons taking place. You may also want to look for a school that offers classes specifically for infants and young children.

It's important to keep in mind that swim lessons are just one layer of protection when it comes to keeping your child safe around water. Swim lessons don’t make your child “drown proof.”

McGarvey reminds parents that life jackets do not replace supervision. It's also a good idea to teach your child basic water safety rules, such as never swimming alone. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance recommends several books you can read with your child to instill water safety messaging in a fun and engaging way.

Additional advice from McGarvey includes draining and taking the air out of an inflatable pool when you’re finished, having a secure gate around the pool area, and pulling everything out of the water to deter any wandering and curious children.

Parents should also consider taking a CPR course. The American Red Cross offers a searchable database of training opportunities.

In addition to helping prevent drowning, swimming lessons can also provide numerous other benefits for young children. For example, swimming can help improve coordination, balance, and motor skills. It can also help boost confidence and self-esteem, as children learn to master new skills and feel more comfortable in the water. Plus, it's a great outlet for your child’s boundless energy!

–Ashley Gundlach, British Swim School President