Water Safety on the Farm

It is the first day of July and we, in the US, are getting ready for a long holiday weekend (we’ll be back to our regular posting schedule on Tuesday, July 5).  Where I am from,  Independence Day usually involves cooking out on the grill, swimming in the pool or going out on the lake and setting off fireworks after dark. Even though you may not be celebrating American 4th of  July with us in the United States this weekend, water safety is always an important topic to remember. The following blog post was submitted from Farm Safety 4 Just Kids and addresses the importance of water safety:

Water is the life blood coursing through every farm and ranch. Without it crops and livestock won’t survive. At the same time, it has the potential to put children in harm’s way. Especially in the heat of summer, considering a farm pond or watering trough may seem like a good place to cool off for kids.

Drowning deaths 3x more likely in rural areas

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, drowning was the second leading cause of death on farms. And living in a rural area increases the likelihood of drowning by three times when compared to urban areas.

Water safety tips on the farm:

• Supervise children at all times when near water.
• Fence youth out of ponds and lagoons, and fence them in safe play areas.
• Install self-closing, self-latching gates.
• Provide personal flotation devices where swimming is allowed.
• Create a rescue tool by attaching a flotation device to a rope or long pole, and make sure everyone knows where it’s stored.
• Install proper safety shielding on all irrigation mechanisms.

Water is needed on the farm and ranch to survive and prosper. Stay safe and healthy by using precaution when around this life-giving element.

How do you caution children of water hazards on your farm?