#United States #Alexandria #water safety #Labor Day #AquaArmor

Water Safety Tips for Families This Labor Day

As the Labor Day weekend approaches, families eagerly prepare for their last summer hurrah at pools, lakes, and beaches. However, amidst the fun and relaxation, it's crucial to remember that water safety should always be a priority. Britton Kent, the founder of Cooper's AquaArmor, emphasizes that vigilance around water is essential, regardless of the season. With over 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occurring in the U.S. each year, it’s time for parents to be proactive.

Importance of Water Safety Awareness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4, and the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths for children aged 5 to 14. Alarmingly, the average number of drowning deaths increases by 48% on weekends compared to weekdays. Therefore, during long holiday weekends like Labor Day, parents must remain extremely vigilant.

Kent advises, "Labor Day may feel like the end of swimming season, but water safety can never be seasonal." This is particularly true as families begin planning for upcoming fall and winter vacations, where water activities may still continue.

Five Essential Water Safety Tips for Parents

To ensure your child's safety in and around water this Labor Day, consider these five crucial reminders:

1. Designate a Water Watcher
Assign one responsible adult to watch the children closely while they are in and near water. Ensure this adult is free of distractions and understands the importance of actively monitoring the kids. Don't assume that someone else, like a lifeguard, is keeping an eye out.

2. Keep Lifeguard Assumptions in Check
Many pools and beaches vary in terms of lifeguard presence and coverage. Before allowing your children into the water, confirm the extent of supervision in place. Even if lifeguards are present, active parental supervision is crucial.

3. Increase Your Child's Visibility
Swimsuit color plays a significant role in visibility. Choose bright, fluorescent colors such as neon pink or orange, which stand out better in water compared to muted shades. This added visibility is not a substitute for adult supervision, rather it's an additional safety measure.

4. Opt for Life Jackets Over Pool Toys
Young or inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when necessary. Hence, avoid using inflatable rings or pool toys as substitutes for proper life jackets or adult supervision.

5. Be Cautious of False Security
Experienced swimmers might still find themselves in precarious situations due to fatigue, waves, or unfamiliar settings. Parents should not underestimate the potential hazards in different environments and should maintain constant vigilance.

Kent reminds parents, "Visibility is another tool we can give parents, but no swimsuit — including ours — replaces active adult supervision." This mentality preserves the mission of Cooper's AquaArmor, which aims to keep water safety at the forefront of parents' minds at all times.

About Cooper's AquaArmor

Founded by parents Britton and David Kent, Cooper's AquaArmor takes a unique approach to children's swimwear. Through research, they discovered how significant swimsuit color impacts visibility in water. Their company focuses on producing high-contrast swimwear that enhances children's visibility in aquatic environments. Their aim is not only to sell swimwear but to promote water safety awareness among families at all times.

As the seasons shift and vacation spots change, one thing remains constant: the need to keep an eye on children whenever water is involved. By instilling a culture of water safety, families can enjoy their Labor Day weekend and beyond with confidence.