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Did you know that NINETY percent of drownings occur with an adult nearby? (Last year eight hundred and thirty children died from drowning.) Now you can become a Water Watchdog and help spread awareness of drownings and maybe even prevent one too.
Become a Water Watchdog and Spread Awareness About Child Drowning
The Watch Watchdog’s program was started by mother of Abbey, and founder of Abbey’s Hope. Abbey lost her life due to a tragic accidental drowning in 2006. Abbey’s parents started Abbey’s Hope to help prevent other drownings.
Becoming a Water Watchdog means pledging to give your undivided attention to children in the pool. When you wear the Water Watchdog tag, you’re showing that you’re going to be vigilant to look out for all the kids in the pool. Wear the tag for fifteen minutes or more, and give your undivided attention to the pool. Then pass the tag on to another adult, teach them the statistics about child drowning and ask them to watch the pool too. It’s that easy!
When you become a Water Watchdog you agree
- not to drink alcohol while at the pool or beach
- not to talk on the phone, and have your attention solely on the children swimming
- not to read, or socialize because your attention should be on the water
- make sure you have a phone to call 911 in the event of an emergency
- to remain watching the water until relieved by another Water Watchdog
For the kids and classrooms
Carolanne Caron has created a wonderful book called Water Safety with Swimmy. Inside is ten water safety rules that everyone should know and follow. It’s a great way to spread awareness and teach children how to be safe when enjoying the water. There’s even a coloring book to help drive the lesson home, in a fun and engaging way.
Autism, Wandering, and Drowning
Drowning is something that terrifies me. As a mother to an autistic child, I know that drowning is the number one leading cause of death among autistics. Most are drawn to water because it’s amazing, calming, beautiful and more. I myself am on the spectrum and have always been enthralled with water. It centers me and calms me. I use my Autism Facebook page to help spread awareness of drowning and our children, so being a Water Watchdog is super important to me. You can go here to purchase.
image from A Legion for Liam
For more information head to Abbey’s Hope. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.