Digital Communications Toolkit

• It only takes seconds to drown. Always watch your child around water. Visit DrowningPreventionOC.org for tips that could help save a life. #DrowningPrevention

• Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in kids under five in Orange County. Visit DrowningPreventionOC.org for tips that could help save a life. #DrowningPrevention

• If you watch kids around water, learn CPR and basic water rescue skills. It just may save a life. Visit DrowningPreventionOC.org to learn more. #DrowningPrevention

• Know the ABCs of water safety: A is Active Adult Supervision, B is Barriers around Pools and Spas, and C is Classes. For more helpful tips, visit DrowningPreventionOC.org. #DrowningPrevention

• Join Orange County leaders in public health, public safety and government in spreading the word about drowning prevention in your community. For more information, visit DrowningPreventionOC.org. #DrowningPrevention

• Please do your part to spread awareness about drowning prevention that could save a life. For tips and other helpful hints, visit DrowningPreventionOC.org. #DrowningPrevention

See below for sample newsletter copy:

 Keep Kids Safe from Drowning

Drowning consistently remains the leading cause of death for children 1-4 years of age, and among the top-five leading causes for those under the age of 18 years, both in Orange County and California. Each year, near drowning incidents also result in life-long disabilities.

This summer, take the necessary steps to keep your children safe. Drowning is preventable. Young children are more at risk and can drown in any body of water, including a bucket, bathtub, sink, pool or spa.

Drowning Prevention is most effective with a “layers of protection” approach:

• Never leave a child alone near water, even for a few seconds.
• A supervising adult should be close enough to touch the child under 4 years old near water.
• Keep a constant adult eye on young children of all ages.
• All collections of water are dangerous for infants and toddlers, including bathtubs, buckets, toilets, ponds, spas, swimming pools, and natural water sites.
• Swimming pools should have fences, alarms, and drains that meet regulations.
• Pool gates should be self-latching, opening outward, with the latch out-of-reach for a child.
• Keep reaching and throwing aids near a swimming pool.
• All children should wear a personal floatation device while playing near bodies of water.
• Parents and child caregivers should know how to perform rescue techniques and strategies to respond in an emergency.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first.

For more information on helpful tips and other ways that you can prevent drowning, visit DrowningPreventionOC.org.

See below for sample website or blog copy:

Drowning Prevention: Keeping Kids Safe Near Water

Drowning consistently remains the leading cause of death for children 1-4 years of age, and among the top-five leading causes for those under the age of 18 years, both in Orange County and California. Each year, near drowning incidents also result in life-long disabilities.

The Orange County Drowning Prevention Coalition develops recommendations on methods and strategies to reduce drowning incidents and fatalities in Orange County. The coalition continues to raise awareness on the issue of drowning, and remind parents and caregivers that it is preventable. The 25-member coalition includes the heads of public health, public safety, government, nonprofit, victims, swim schools, and Olympic medal-winning swimmers.

Drowning is preventable. Young children are more at risk and can drown in any body of water, including a bucket, bathtub, sink, pool or spa. Drowning Prevention is most effective with a “layers of protection” approach:

• Never leave a child alone near water, even for a few seconds.
• A supervising adult should be close enough to touch the child under 4 years old near water.
• Keep a constant adult eye on young children of all ages.
• All collections of water are dangerous for infants and toddlers, including bathtubs, buckets, toilets, ponds, spas, swimming pools, and natural water sites.
• Swimming pools should have fences, alarms, and drains that meet regulations.
• Pool gates should be self-latching, opening outward, with the latch out-of-reach for a child.
• Keep reaching and throwing aids near a swimming pool.
• All children should wear a personal floatation device while playing near bodies of water.
• Parents and child caregivers should know how to perform rescue techniques and strategies to respond in an emergency.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first.

For more information on helpful tips and other ways that you can prevent drowning, visit DrowningPreventionOC.org.