TMC PULSE

t m c » p u l s e | j u ly 2 0 1 6 15 S ummer is a time of fun and freedom. Homework is finished, school is out, families pack up their cars for a vacation or a day at the beach. As the days grow longer and warmer, outdoor play is on everyone's mind—kids and adults alike. Life can change in an instant, turning fun in the sun into a nightmare. But with simple precautions, families can ensure they are doing their best to enjoy the season to the fullest—and safest—extent possible. It's a hot day in Houston. Several families gather at a neigh- borhood pool. Laughter and shrieks of excitement from the kids fill the hazy summer air, as parents stand by chatting about the end of the school year and comparing the latest silly cellphone pictures of their children. Suddenly, one of the older kids calls out, "Wait, where is Emily?" One of the most common summertime activities is spending time in the water. Wading, swimming or boating; pool, river or ocean; especially in hot climates like Houston, anywhere cool and wet is prime relaxation real estate. While water activities are common, drowning becomes a significant danger, particularly for children. "Drowning is always heart-wrenching," said Sam Prater, M.D., medical director of emergency services at Memorial Hermann- Texas Medical Center and an emergency medicine physician at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. "In terms of injury-related causes of death in children, it's the number one cause for kids under five." Drowning can occur for a number of reasons: 1. Lack of supervision. "There is no substitute for active supervision," Prater said, "espe- cially in today's world, when we're really tied into our phones and get distracted easily." For any adult responsible for children, this means being 100 percent engaged in what is going on in the water and within arm's reach of young swimmers. It doesn't take much water or time for a small child to drown. "One strategy when you have several adults is to always have one person specifically assigned to watch the kids," Prater said. "For 15 minutes, he's totally engaged, not distracted and 100 percent responsible. Then he gets a break, because you can't do it forever, and someone else takes over." Kristen Beckworth, manager of Texas Children's Hospital's injury prevention team, calls this the "water watcher" system, and suggests providing something like a badge or a hat to ensure the designated adult is clearly identified at all times. "I'm watching the kids in the water, I know how many went in, and I can visually see that they're still in the water and safe," Beckworth said. "As water watcher, I'm not drinking, I'm not texting, reading a magazine or a book, these are all distractions. Usually when a drowning occurs, adults are present, but no one was actively watching the children in the water. A water watcher at a pool gathering assumes responsibility for a set period of time until it's assigned to the next adult." 2. Using unsafe swimming equipment and apparel. "Some parents get lulled into a sense of safety with floating play toys, noodles, things like that," Prater said. "If the child can't swim, that is not a substitute for active supervision or a life jacket— it doesn't take much for a kid to let go of that and sink beneath the water." Even while at the pool, and particularly for young children, or people of all ages who can't swim, life jackets are encouraged. "All non-swimmers and people near open bodies of water— lakes, rivers, or the ocean—should wear a U.S. Coast Guard- approved life jacket," Beckworth said. "Water wings and inflatable toys are not sufficient. Look for a label that provides a USCG Approval Number." That label clarifies that the product has been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard as being made of naturally buoyant material, so it will float in water. It's an officially designated lifesaving device, versus products like water wings that are filled with air. All it takes is for some air to seep out, for it to pop or for it to slip off the child's arms to be no longer effective. 3. Reckless boating practices. "Life jackets are also crucial for boats, kayaks and canoes," Prater said. "Whether you're on a boat, jet skis or getting towed behind a boat on a raft, you should have a life jacket and you should have it on." While this rule is actually a law in Texas for children under 13, adults are also strongly encouraged to wear life jackets while boating, regardless of how good they are at swimming. "If you hit your head or are thrown overboard, you won't be able to grab a life jacket and put it on," Beckworth said. "Even if you're a great swimmer, if you're unconscious or struggling for some reason, it will save your life." Additionally, anyone operating a boat should take an approved boater's education course. These are offered by a variety of differ- ent outlets. To find an officially state-approved course, visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's website. From water safety to sunscreen application, TMC experts share how you can minimize summertime risks and enjoy all the season has to offer

• Cover