7 months ago
WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia (WUSA)-- In the summertime, so many activities revolve around the water. The Living Well team visited Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark in Williamsburg, Va., for some safety reminders that can keep a celebration from turning tragic. Eric Ramos is a father who was at the waterpark during the visit. He organized a birthday party to celebrate his son's seventh birthday. The Ramos' know, with a whole group of children under their watch, constant adult supervision from several vantage points is a must.
Eric says, "They're running all over the place... I need to be sure that someone I know is watching my back in the waterpark."
Josh Henderson, the director of Aquatics at Great Wolf echoes that sentiment.
He says, "The parent is the first step in the line of defense against drowning. They're the absolutely critical part of the equation."
Henderson says weak or non-swimmers should always be in arms length of an adult. He also recommends Coast Guard approved flotation vests for smaller children, especially when you've got more than one to watch.
Beverly Lofton was visiting the waterpark from Baltimore, Maryland with her seven and three year old daughters.
She has them both wear the life vests. "Just to make sure they're safe in the water. They're little daredevils. Even Jamie's a daredevil at 3 years old, so she gets on the water slide and just dives right into the water."
At this massive waterpark, there are 50 lifeguards on duty on any given day. But even if you're hosting a pool party at your home- consider hiring a lifeguard, and know something about his or her experience.
The lifeguards at Great Wolf are trained by independent aquatics instructors Jeff Ellis & Associates to follow the 10-20 protection rule.
They have 10 seconds to scan their zone of responsibility, and 20 seconds to get to a swimmer in distress.
Henderson says, "I think its an overall respect and understanding of what the water is capable of doing. The CDC lists child drowning as the second leading cause of death for children under the age of fourteen. A lot of people don't know that. It is scary."
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