18 Jun Top 5 Swim Safety Tips for Kids
Now that summer is almost here, for many kids, this means one thing: it is swimming season. So many kids love to swim during the warmer months, and this can be a great way for kids to not only have some fun but to get out and get some physical activity as well. While there is no doubt that swimming can be fun, it can also be dangerous if kids and their parents aren’t careful.
Child pool drownings, unfortunately, do happen, which is why it is so important to keep a few important swimming safety tips in mind as the season gets underway. Whether you have a pool, like to take your kids to the public pool or are visiting friends for an afternoon swim, here are five of the top swim safety tips that every parent should be aware of.
- Never, ever leave your kids unattended around a pool. Even if you have a cover on the pool, are only leaving for a moment, or have told your children not to go in the pool, if you have a pool in your backyard, you should never leave them unattended around the pool. This is one of the main reasons that accidental drownings occur. An accident can happen in an instant.
- Always keep your kids within arms reach. This is a great rule of thumb to have with little swimmers. You should always keep a hand on your babies or toddlers while they are in the pool and make sure that you are at least arms distance away from swimmers under the age of five. This is important even if your little one is a strong swimmer.
- Understand the role of the lifeguard. A lifeguard can be your best friend when you take your child to a public pool, but it is important to understand their role. Just because a lifeguard is present, it doesn’t mean you still don’t have to watch your child. Lifeguards have to watch dozens of patrons at once; they can’t just be watching only your child at all times. While they can help you save your child should something happen, don’t count on them as a babysitter.
- Never allow dunking. Many kids like to roughhouse in the pool. For most children, this means dunking. While kids have been dunking each other in the pool for decades, it is time to put an end to this type of horseplay. Dunking can seem innocent enough, but it can be dangerous if you aren’t careful. Dunking can lead to injuries or accidental drownings and should not be permitted.
- Learn CPR. This is one of the best things you can do as a parent to make sure your child is as safe as possible while they swim. It is vital that you learn how to do CPR on a child. There are many local classes available that will teach you how so you can be better prepared should an emergency happen.
If you have safety questions regarding your child and activities such as swimming, contact Continuum Pediatrics at 817-617-8600 today to schedule an appointment.