Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Kids Kaleidoscope

Put locks on doors and windows that are high and out of reach. Some drownings happen because a parent didn’t know their toddler figured out the door knob. Don’t forget sliding glass doors as well.

Families should install simple contact alarms for doors and windows that lead to the pool. The ring-type alarm sounds every time a door opens, alerting an adult.

Pet doors should be permanently sealed off. Toddlers are known to mimic their pets and may follow them right out the doggy door and into the pool area, putting both child and pet at risk.

One of the most reassuring steps is installing a pool fence. Fences should be at least 4′ tall and have a self-closing, self-latching gate. Mesh pool safety fences, like Life Saver Pool Fence, flaunt an effective layer of protection with a transparent and aesthetically pleasing look.

Surface pool alarms will trigger a sound inside the home when the water’s surface is broken. However, a small child could quietly walk down the pool steps and slip under water without setting off the alarm, so they cannot be used alone.

When you first move into a home, consider using a wearable immersion alarm, like the Safety Turtle, which triggers an alarm inside the house if the sensor gets wet. This is especially important when you are unfamiliar with the area.

When children are in the pool, assign one person as a designated Water Watcher. Active supervision means sitting close to the pool with your full attention on the child/children. Do a regular headcount never leave young kids unattended.

Always remove pool floats after swimming, especially toys that attract children to the water. Also, make sure to move any tables or chairs away from the pool fence so they cannot be used to climb over.

All children should receive swimming lessons. Some organizations even offer training for infants to roll over and float, and to swim to the edge of the pool in case they fall in.

Every adult should be trained in CPR. Check out community centers for classes. This training can make the difference between life, permanent disability, and death.

“LEGO AT THE ZOO” ZOO GUESTS USE 40,000 LEGO BRICKS TO BUILD REPLICA OF THE SANTA BARBARA ZOO PLUS MORE LEGO FUN ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 4 AND 5

Experts from Play-Well TEKnologies On-site to Collaborate on Designs Instructions Provided for Giraffe, Elephant, and More Animals Also Includes Area for Free-Form Fun Free with Zoo Admission

LEGO lovers rejoice! More than 40,000 LEGO bricks will be on hand at the Santa Barbara Zoo to construct a replica of the Zoo and several of its animal residents in a new event called “LEGO at the Zoo.” The two-day event is held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, in the Zoo’s Discovery Pavilion. All activities are free with Zoo admission.

The Zoo has collaborated with Play-Well TEKnologies who will have experts on-site to help guests build the LEGO structures and animals. Designs include an elephant, African lion, capybara (the world’s largest rodent, returning to the Zoo this summer), and a dog representing the Zoo’s new Ambassador Dog Bradley. A time-lapse video will be made documenting the construction.

The event also includes an area for free-form fun, where guests can create their own designs. “LEGO builds excitement for people of all ages,” said Zoo CEO Rich Block. “I bet we’ll see more than a few adults helping with this monumental project. I’ll certainly be pitching in.” The building at the Zoo actually begins on Friday during the annual Members’ Night. Zoo members and Foster Feeders will enjoy the LEGO activity plus dinner, keeper talks, Zoo Train rides, and a dance party. For more information visit www.sbzoo.com.