Summer is in here and that means more time spent at the pool.
We thought it’s appropriate to share a few tips to help parents keep their kids safe, whether they’re swimming at a public pool or even just in the backyard:
- First and foremost: swimming lessons for your children is always a good idea
- Supervision: Parents should be aware of their child’s skill level in terms of swimming and always keep an eye on them while they are in or close to water.
- Floating Devices: choosing the right flotation device for a kid is an important step to keeping them safe. A Coastguard-approved life vest made of foam is the safest option. Flotation devices made of air may easily pop or deflate and do not support the child’s entire body.
- Practice: Reinforce lessons learned at swimming lessons, while at home in the pool. For example, let them practice rolling onto their backs – this is a lifesaving technique which will allow them to breathe and also call for help should they fall into the pool.
- Look out for these warning signs which may indicate your child needs a break from swimming:
- If a child says they are too hot, too cold, too sunburnt or too tired, it may be an indicator they need a break.
- If you see a child walking along the wall of a pool, it may be a sign they are too tired or not feeling well.
- Encourage your children to take a break at least every 45 minutes to take a breather in the shade, drink some water and reapply some sunscreen.