TIPS For Families

Supervision is Key to Safety Around Ponds

Written by: Sharry Nielsen, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska Extension

Drowning ranks second only to motor vehicle mishaps as the most common cause of accidental death for children.  Children under age four are at especially high risk.  Even adults are at risk in water muddied by silt, plants, and fish. 

It takes only a few moments and an inch of water for a child to drown.  Small children have been known to drown in 5-gallon buckets.  Most drownings, however, occur when a child is left alone or accidentally falls into a pool or pond.        

Farm ponds can look inviting, but many times they are deep with a sudden drop off.  A person can go from knee deep water to water that is 50 feet deep in seconds.  Additionally, weeds growing from the bottom can entangle a person, making it difficult or impossible to return to the surface. 

If you live close to a pond or irrigation source, take steps this spring to keep your family safe.  Begin with these:

·        Provide children over 3 years with swimming lessons. 

·        Fence off ponds and other water areas as feasible.

·        Never leave a young child alone in water, even in a bathtub.  A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a phone call.

·        Adopt a “swimming buddy” policy for children.  Where swimming is allowed, be sure children always swim with a friend or adult.

·        Insist that children use personal flotation devices, such as buoyant vests, cushions or rings. 

·        Keep rescue equipment near water areas.  Purchase a flotation device or make one from a gallon plastic jug, and attach a rope.  Install a safety post near the pond.  Tie the loose end of the rope to the post.  Add a laminated poster with instructions on how to use and other water safety tips near the top of the post.

·        Teach older children and teens “Reach, Throw, and Wade”, so they do not risk their lives to help a drowning victim.

·        Be sure all swimmers know how to get help quickly.  Older teens and adults should learn CPR.

·        Never swim during storms or lightning.

Drowning rates are three times higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and often occur in water like farm ponds and irrigation canals.  Summer and water go together, so help keep your family safe with adult supervision of young children and teaching water safety measures to all family members.

If you wish to leave feedback about this TIPS for Families, click on the TIPS Feedback Form at the bottom of this page.  For more information on Safety go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension publication website at www.ianrpub.unl.edu and click on Families.