Chelmsford, MA
Earlier this month, we covered Water Safety: Prevention, which is a really good first line of defense against childhood drownings. Now we want to talk about the Water Watcher program.
“Water Watcher” is a simple program that any household can implement to make their children and/or adults safer. The program is designed around the idea of never leaving a child alone in or near the water, even for a moment. There should always be someone watching the water with children at all times.
Unfortunately, drowning is still the number 1 cause of accidental death for children aged 5 and under. Sadly, the majority of drownings that take place are accidental, and occur with someone who could have helped within 25 yards of them. Drowning is a quiet affair that often occurs without anyone noticing.
Clearly, what we need are “Water Watchers.” The Water Watcher has one function: to act as a drowning prevention tool.
At British Swim School, we distribute “Water Watcher” cards on lanyards to all of our families and we explain how to use them. We encourage everyone to use the “Water Watcher” cards at your home and water outings. Assign one adult as the Water Watcher and insist they wear the badge and lanyard. They can’t relinquish their “Watcher” status until the pool is empty of swimmers, or the badge is handed on to another adult, who then becomes the new “Water Watcher.”
“Water Watchers” don’t play cards, or read or leave the swim area. “Water Watchers” focus on swimmers and are ready to act if someone goes into Aquatic Distress or worse. “Water Watchers” are ready to jump in the pool, ask swimmers if they need help, and extend a hand to someone in trouble. If the “Water Watcher” has to pick up a phone or go to the bathroom, he/she hands the lanyard over to the next person. And, “Water Watchers” can also enforce overall safety by halting running on the concrete and stopping unsafe horseplay in the water. Often times, there can be confusion about who is watching the kids in the pool. With the “Water Watcher” card and lanyard, everyone knows who the designated person is, so no more blaming each other!
BSS “Water Watchers” Community Outreach
As part of the Drowning Prevention Coalition our goal is to share the “Water Watcher” card with as many families as possible. We believe that when correctly used, the “Water Watcher” Safety Program may save many lives. We ask that responsible adult(s) wear the “Water Watcher” badge on a lanyard at all pool/lake/beach gatherings; including kids’ birthday parties, family reunions, and during everyday water time.
We will be distributing the Water Watcher cards to the public at our pool location at LA Fitness 121 Main St. in Stoneham during the entire month of May. Come pick up your water watcher card and get your own “Water Watcher” program started this Spring!
Take the Water Safety Pledge at britishswimschool.com/water-safety/ and download other useful water safety tips!!
