RN43062023

STORY:

A firefighter from New York City, Mark Batista, drowned at the New Jersey shore while saving his daughter who was caught in rough surf. Several witnesses called for help, and a water rescue team arrived at the scene. Batista was eventually located and taken to the hospital, but he did not survive. His daughter is expected to recover. The FDNY mourned Batista, who had dedicated 15 years to serving as an EMT and firefighter. No lifeguards were on duty at the time of the accident. In a statement, The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office reminded swimmers not to go swimming without a lifeguard present. “We once again caution all to please NOT go in the water when there are no lifeguards on duty,”

Source: peoples.com

SENSES (Child Safeguarding and Protection Principle):

The tragic incident is quite sad but yet again it raises a lot of concerns regarding child safeguarding and protection especially when our precious children engage in extra curriculum activities such as swimming.

As a parent, it is our duty to ensure that swimming clubs that our precious children sign up for have a working Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy/System which is followed strictly. Children must always be adequately supervised when swimming and safety measures must be put in place to address any form of emergency that could arise.

As a Child-Focused organization, we have consistently pointed out that preparedness at all times is a necessity that cannot be treated lightly.

It is quite sad that in the instant case, the children were left unsupervised as no lifeguards were on duty when the children were swimming. The story also reminds parents to take extra precautions when engaging in swimming activities with their precious children and to be aware of the potential risks associated with rough surf and other hazardous conditions. Ultimately, protecting children’s safety should always be a priority to prevent devastating accidents like this case from happening

STONE: (Call to action):

Our precious children are curious and adventurous; they love to repeat thrilling experiences. It is necessary to establish precautionary measures wherever children are.

Swimming is fun and provides health benefits for both children and adults such that homeowners have them built in their homes for this and aesthetic purposes. However, there are several risks associated with a lack of caution when in and around a pool, one of which is drowning.

The American Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four and it is the second leading cause of unintentional injury or death for children between the ages of five and 14. It estimates 4,000 fatal drownings and 8,000 nonfatal drownings in a year.

In 2022, in Nigeria, more than seven children were reported to have drowned in swimming pools. Some of the accidents took place at home, at school, and others in a public pool.

Here are some precautionary measures all primary and secondary parents must put in place to ensure the safety of children while swimming:

1. Ensure lifeguard presence: Having lifeguards on duty throughout the swimming session is of utmost importance. The lifeguard must be trained (trained to swim and to give CPR – cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

2. Increase public awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns, utilize social media and signage, and engage in community outreach to educate primary and secondary parents and children on safety while swimming.

3. Children must have their swimming kits on when they are in the pool

4. Having a pool cover is another way to guard swimming pools from unmonitored entry.

5. A swimming net is a safety net that will be hung over the surface of the pool, like those used in a fish pond. This will prevent a child from crawling into the pool.

6. Installing Motion Detector Cameras fitted with a sound alarm is a device needed in every home, school, or public place with a swimming pool.