Staying safe in the water this summer after Bleckley County drowning

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - After a child drowned in a pool in Bleckley County earlier this summer — even while wearing a life jacket — water safety remains critical to protecting lives.

Safe Kids Savannah and Memorial Children’s Hospital are urging families to focus on preventative practices while spending time on boats and in pools.

Representatives from the organizations’ safety programs stressed the importance of wearing a life jacket and using the correct size. Youth life jackets are designed for children weighing 55 to 88 pounds.

Chatham, Bryan, Effingham and Liberty Counties have life jacket loaner boards available to checkout a vest in sizes ranging from infant to adult at no cost, according to Memorial Health’s website.

Check that all life jacket clips are buckled and that it fits snugly. Smaller life jackets might include a strap between the legs to help keep children from sliding out.

A recommended check includes the “shoulder test,” where an adult grabs the life jacket and pulls up to make sure it does not rise above a child’s ears.

For continued education, Memorial Health hosts a Safe Kids Savannah program that focuses on keeping kids safe year-round with water, child passenger, pedestrian and home safety programs.