Granger Smith’s Heartbreaking Story: What Parents Should Know About Drowning risks

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Fans are mourning together with singer Granger Smith after the father of three revealed the tragic news, that his youngest, 3-year-old son River, died last week.

“Amber and I made the decision to say our last goodbyes and donate his organs so that other children will be given a second chance at life,” Smith captioned a photo of himself with River in happier times.

It was confirmed River “died in a tragic drowning accident at home,” People reports.

The Smiths are not the only family who have had to deal with such a tragedy.

 The CDC says that drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 4 (except congenital anomalies).

In light of this, we are sharing some important water safety tips.

 

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I have to deliver unthinkable news. We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith. Following a tragic accident, and despite doctor’s best efforts, he was unable to be revived. Amber and I made the decision to say our last goodbyes and donate his organs so that other children will be given a second chance at life. Our family is devastated and heartbroken, but we take solace in knowing he is with his Heavenly Father. Riv was special. Everyone that met him knew that immediately. The joy he brought to our lives cannot be expressed and his light will be forever in our hearts. If there are words to say more, I cannot find them in this moment. Love the ones close to you. There has never been a more difficult moment for us than this. . . In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send donations to Dell Children’s Medical Center in River’s name. The doctors, nurses and staff have been incredible.

A post shared by Granger Smith (@grangersmith) on Jun 6, 2019 at 10:47am PDT

Water safety tips:

Here are a few water safety tips which we as parents can do to prevent such a tragic occurrence and ensure that your time spent at the pool is a happy and safe time for everyone.

Supervision

Never leave a child alone in or around water – be it the pool, ocean or even in the bath! Be watchful and keep an observant eye on the children around water, keep pool gates locked or cover your pool with a certified pool net. A basic course in first aid and CPR will also make a difference in the outcome of an incident should the skills be applied timeously.

Barriers

Having multiple layers of safety around pool and spa areas or any other open bodies of water (such as a safety net, a closed fence and a surface alarm) can prevent tragic accidents.

Prevention is better than cure!

Make sure that these barriers are well maintained and properly fitted at all times. Also make sure that when your kids are swimming over at a neighbour or family member’s home that these are in place.

Swimming lessons

My daughter has started swimming lessons recently and the first lessons she learnt was how to climb out of the pool and how to float on her back.

Children should actually learn to swim as soon as possible. It’s important for them to be trained in survival skills such as floating and treading water and even if they are able to do so, constant supervision is still always necessary.

Finally and this goes without saying – remember the sunhats and sunblock AND don’t forget to have fun!