Designated Buddy

What’s a Designated Buddy?

A designated Buddy is an adult or responsible teen who is responsible for watching and protecting a young child when he/she is near a body of water or any other potentially hazardous situation. Having a Designated Buddy to watch the “little ones” is especially important during family gatherings or outings where the older folks are enjoying visiting and sometimes forget to watch the small children. A Designated Buddy keeps an eye and a hand on little children near water, (A child can drown in only a few inches of water), or keeps them from wandering off and getting lost at camp sites.

Keeping Children Safe In, On, and Around the Water

	Maintain constant supervision. Watch children around any water environment (pool, stream, lake, tub, toilet, bucket of water), no matter what skills your child has acquired and no matter how shallow the water.
	Don't rely on substitutes. The use of flotation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.
	Enroll children in a water safety course or Learn to Swim program. Your decision to provide your child with an early aquatic experience is a gift that will have infinite rewards. These courses encourage safe practices. You can also purchase a Community Water Safety manual at the Merced-Mariposa Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross, 642 West Main Street, Merced.
	Parents should take a CPR course. Knowing these skills can be important around the water and you will expand your capabilities in providing care for your child. You can contact the Merced-Mariposa Counties Chapter Health & Safety Department at (209) 383-2150 to enroll in a CPR for Infants and Child course.

Keeping Children Safe Outdoors

	Keep first aid supplies and emergency telephone numbers accessible at all times.
	Dress children in several layers of clothing. Remember, a child’s body temperature changes faster than adults.
	Always supervise children near a campfire or portable stove. Teach them to stay away from them, even when not in use.
	Teach children to stay away from all plants and wild berries unless you are certain they are safe.
	Teach children to stay clear of poison ivy and poison oak.
	Always have an adult apply insect repellent and always follow the product instruction
	Teach children to watch out for snakes and never to touch or disturb them.
	Teach children to watch out for snakes and never to touch or disturb them.
	Never allow children to wander off alone.

The American Red Cross can help A Designated Buddy Learn How to Respond Before Emergences Arise

The American Red Cross Infant and Child CPR course prepares participants to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants and children up to 8 years old. This course is ideal for new parents, childcare providers, teachers and anyone else who is around children. Participants take home a refresher skills card as well as information about preventing injuries. Upon successful completion of this 5 1/2 hour course, participants receive an American Red Cross Infant and Child CPR certificate.

	Babysitter's Training course equips young people (11-15 years of age) to handle the responsible work of a Babysitter. Boys and girls learn how to prevent accidents, what to do in an emergency, and how important they can be in the life of a child. Infant care skills and play supervision are included.
	Longfellow Whale Tales program will help elementary school children (K-6) learn about safe behavior in and around water. Students will receive a Red Cross certificate upon completion of course.