“Stay in the shallow end!” “No running on the deck!” The words of our parents and local lifeguards are cemented in our minds as warnings about the inherent dangers of swimming. As we prepare for yet another pool season filled with making memories, we reflect on the helpful hints of our protectors, and think about how we might pass them on to our little ones.
We at GoodDeals.com wanted to prepare a reference of some classic water safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer. As you head out to swim this summer, consider teaching your children these simple rules:
Swim ONLY Under Supervision: It is so important to teach children never to swim unsupervised. So many water-related accidents can be avoided if kids are just watched as they swim. This means asking you to watch them if they’re swimming at home, and checking to see if there’s a lifeguard on duty when swimming at a community pool or lake.
In addition, if the child is not a proficient swimmer, they ought to be accompanied into the water. Commonly called “touch supervision,” this practice involves supervising the child at a distance from which they can be touched i.e. an arm’s length.
Wear a Flotation Device: If the child is not an accomplished swimmer, you may consider having them wear a personal flotation device (PFD). While “water-wings” were fun as children, they ought not to be trusted with the life of your child. Look for life jackets that are certified by the U.S. Coast Guard, as this is an indication of a quality PFD.
Do Not Run on the Deck: While this is a simple enough rule with simple enough reasoning behind it, children sometimes get too excited around the pool, and engage in horseplay that results in injury. Try demonstrating (SAFELY!) the dangers of running on wet surfaces to your child.
Invest in Swim Lessons: Not only will teaching your child to swim with skill drastically decrease his or her chances of drowning, it will also boost their self-confidence. Who knows, it may even lead to a new healthy and fun exercise routine!
Secure Your Pool: This is especially true for younger children. Invest in some way to barricade your pool area from entry. The most popular means of doing this is by putting up a tall fence. Make sure the door to the pool area is self-closing, and that the latch is out of your child’s reach.
Observing these simple pool rules will help to ensure both you and your child make the most out of time spent around the water this summer.
