As summer rolls around, swimming becomes a popular and refreshing activity for families everywhere. While swimming is a fun and enjoyable experience, it’s important for parents to prioritize safety in and around the water. By equipping children with the knowledge and understanding of swimming safety, we can ensure they have a great time while staying protected. We will discuss some essential swimming safety tips for parents and guardians to share with their children.
- Learn to Swim:
One of the best ways to ensure swimming safety is by teaching your child to swim at an early age. Enroll them in swimming lessons led by certified instructors who can teach them proper techniques, water safety skills, and how to handle emergencies in the water. Encourage regular practice to build their confidence and ability to swim independently.
- Never Swim Alone:
Emphasize the importance of swimming with a buddy. Children should never swim alone, even in shallow water. Having a companion ensures that there is always someone nearby in case of an emergency or if they require assistance.
- Stay within Designated Areas:
Make sure your child understands the importance of swimming only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Teach them to recognize warning signs and flags indicating unsafe conditions such as strong currents or dangerous marine life.
- Water Depth Awareness:
Children should be aware of the depth of the water they are swimming in. Encourage them to stick to areas where they can touch the bottom with their feet comfortably. For deeper waters, they should use appropriate flotation devices or stay close to the poolside or shoreline.
- Never Run Near Pools or Slippery Surfaces:
Explain to your child that running near the pool or on wet surfaces can be extremely dangerous. Falls can result in serious injuries, including fractures or head trauma. Encourage them to walk slowly and carefully to prevent accidents.
- Follow Pool Rules:
Teach your child to always follow pool rules and regulations. These rules are in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Reinforce the importance of not diving in shallow areas, not pushing or roughhousing near the pool, and not using the pool without adult supervision.
- Wear Appropriate Swim Gear:
Proper swim gear can enhance safety in the water. Encourage your child to wear a correctly fitted life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when required, especially in open water environments. Additionally, ensure they wear appropriate swimwear that allows for easy movement and doesn’t hinder their swimming ability.
- Be Sun Smart:
Remind your child about the importance of sun protection. Encourage them to apply sunscreen before entering the water and reapply as needed, even on cloudy days. Provide them with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses to shield their eyes from harmful sun rays.
- Maintain Constant Supervision:
Lastly, emphasize that parental or guardian supervision is paramount whenever children are near water. Even if they are confident swimmers, accidents can still occur. Avoid distractions and be fully present to ensure their safety at all times.
In conclusion, swimming can be an enjoyable and healthy activity for children, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety. By teaching your child these essential swimming safety tips and fostering a sense of responsibility around water, you can help create a safe environment for them to enjoy swimming.
References
American Red Cross. (n.d.). Swimming and Water Safety. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Policy Statement—Prevention of Drowning. Pediatrics, 143(5), e20190850. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-0850
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Unintentional Drowning: Get the Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Water Safety and Young Children. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Water-Safety-And-Young-Children.aspx
KidsHealth. (2021). Water Safety. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/water-safety.html[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
