Swimming and spending time in or near water is often a big part of summer, but it’s important to acknowledge that any body of water can be dangerous. Drowning can occur in practically any situation, so it’s a good idea to do everything you can to make swimming both fun and safe for your children.
Take a look at the following water safety tips to help you plan a safe summer.
#1: Know First Aid and CPR
To start the summer safely, it’s a good idea to take a First Aid and CPR class. In addition to taking a class as a parent, you should include your children who are of an appropriate age and size in the instruction. Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency is one of the best steps you can take toward ensuring your children’s safety.
#2: Watch Your Children While They’re in Water
Keep an eye on your children while they swim, and when doing so, give them your undivided attention. Don’t be distracted and don’t leave the area in which your children are swimming. A single minute unsupervised could prove incredibly dangerous.
#3: Use Flotation Devices
If your children have not perfected swimming yet, have them use flotation devices like water wings, inner-tubes, or a flotation vest. Flotation devices can add a level of safety to swimming, but they should never be used to replace adult supervision.
#4: Get in Feet First
To avoid head and neck injuries, do not allow your children to dive into any body of water that is under 9 feet deep. For elevated dives (ex: from a diving board), the depth needs to be even deeper. For safety, it’s best to get into any body of water feet first.
#5: Enclose the Pool
If you have your own pool, it’s crucial that you take steps to ensure your pool is child-safe. Have a sturdy fence installed around the pool area and ensure it’s both self-latching and tall enough that young children cannot climb over it. If possible, it’s also a good idea to keep back doors and gates locked so there are several barriers between children and unsupervised pool access.
Swimming and taking part in water-related activities can be an excellent way to get children out of the house to enjoy low-impact exercise. Following simple, proactive safety tips ensures they get to have fun and avoid accidents at the same time.
