Nationwide’s “Make Safe Happen” and Making Swimming Safer For Kids

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All opinions are 100% mine.

When you first laid eyes on your child, you likely had an overwhelming thought that you’ll do anything to protect them. While summers are challenging, it is important to consider how we can make safe happen, especially when it comes to water safety. Since almost 800 children drown each year, more than half of them being younger than the age of five, it is something to truly be aware about as parents. We also need to pass this on to our kids.

As a parent, you want what is best for child, and sometimes we can be confused as to what is a good balance between helicopter parenting, tiger mom parenting, and just being realistic. I’m quickly finding there may not be a right answer for everything, but basic water safety is something we can all manage.

This short video is a great reminder of how we can make swimming safer for our young kids:

No how-to guide for parentsWe have stranger danger, poisons, falls and kids to worry about every day. In the heat of summer we need to remember about water safety, and the importance of it.

Make Safe Happen recommends these precautions to ensure children’s safety in and around water this summer:

• Active supervision. When you’re at a pool party, there may be many parents and other adults around, but who is actually watching each child? Can you reach your young one quickly? Being within arm’s reach is important.
• Reduce Risks. Even if your area doesn’t require one, install fences in swim areas, empty kiddie pools and tubs immediately after use,
• Be Prepared. Learn CPR and First Aid, know the signs of drowning and keep a phone close in case you need to call 911.

Water safety is a core, important focus of Make Safe Happen. To help elevate awareness around the risk of drowning and drive action to keep children safe during summertime play, Nationwide is working closely with Safe Kids Worldwide on integrated efforts to help inform parents and caregivers.

Further, Nationwide is partnered with Safe Kids to publish updated water safety research to help Make Safe Happen. They have an App to help caregivers, available for download on many devices. Or check out more resources on water safety here:

• Nationwide Make Safe Happen Site – helpful tips, tools and water safety resources for parents and caregivers: Makesafehappen.com
• Nationwide Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nationwide
• Nationwide Twitter page: https://twitter.com/Nationwide

If you’re currently at the pool watching your child’s swim lessons, good for you! Check these out later! In the meantime, have fun with your kids, while being safe.

What are you doing to help Make Safe Happen this summer?