When it comes to water safety, your attention can’t stop at the pool. In fact, any body of water can quickly become a dangerous drowning hazard. Today, let’s talk about bathtub safety!

The Basics of Bathtub Safety

Taking a warm bath can be relaxing, but it can also be dangerous. This is even more true when it comes to children. Following these simple guidelines can provide some much needed peace of mind. To that end, these bathtub safety tips can be the difference between life and death.

Keep Bathtub Water at a Moderate Temperature

In a previous blog post, we talked about how to stay safe in a hot tub. The first thing to remember when it comes to bathtub safety is that a bathtub isn’t a Jacuzzi! Bath water that is too hot will cause a person’s blood pressure to drop. In time, this can lead to drowsiness. If the water is way too hot, this can even turn to lightheadedness and fainting. This can cause a person to become submerged underwater. Obviously, this isn’t a great situation.

Even if you don’t pass out from the hot water, it can scald your skin.  Since children’s skin is even more sensitive than ours, so keep this in mind when measuring the heat level. To prevent this, test the temperature of the water with your finger.  If you can’t leave your finger in the water for more than five seconds, lower that temperature!

As your child gets older and wants to set up the bath by themselves, teach them to start with cold water before gradually adding hot water. Still, be sure to supervise them in order to ensure that they have a handle on how to safely prepare the bath.

Watch That Water Level!

A full tub of water is not necessary when bathing your kids. After all, it is actually possible for a person to drown in as little as two or three inches of water. Sliding under the water just enough to submerge your mouth and nose can prove fatal. To prevent this, it is recommended that the water level not be any higher than your shoulders at the very most.

Additionally, be sure to drain the bathtub when it is not being used. Leaving unattended water can have serious consequences.  For this reason, it is also important that any bath toys be removed from the tub so that the child doesn’t try to get ahold of them.

Active Supervision and Bathtub Safety

Active supervision is vital. As we’ve mentioned above, drowning can happen suddenly if you are not paying proper attention. Children are specifically at risk here. For this reason, parents should never leave a child alone in the bathtub, even for a moment. That means no running for the doorbell, no answering the phone, nothing! If you absolutely need to leave the bathroom, take the kid out of the tub first.  When bath time is over, wipe down any surfaces that may have water on them.  After all, a slippery floor can be dangerous, too!

Keep Electrical Products Out of Harm’s Way

Finally, electricity and water do not mix. If an electrical product, such as a hair dryer, falls into the tub, the result can be fatal. To prevent this, you should always take stock of your electrical appliances before drawing a bath. Driers, razors, curling irons… all of these can quickly become hazardous. To prevent a disaster, be sure to unplug these devices. Better yet, hide them away entirely. By storing them inside a properly secured cabinet or closet, you avoid the risk of them being accidentally pulled into the water. If possible, try not to ever have them  in the bathroom at all.