Water safety is a crucial aspect of enjoying aquatic activities, whether it’s swimming, boating, or simply enjoying a day at the beach. There are numerous factors to consider when it comes to water safety, including proper supervision, equipment, and understanding potential dangers.
Here are 10 important things to keep in mind when it comes to water safety:
Swimming pool safety is a cornerstone principle of Easy2Swim swim lesson program. When safety comes first, there is a lifetime ahead of fun, health, and enjoyment. Here are seven important things to remember about water safety that lifeguards wish you knew. They are essential for every parent and caregiver. At times, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction due to myths and misconceptions. To help clear things up, we’ve made it simple for you.
Swimming is a wonderful combination of safety, health, and enjoyment. It provides a platform to create long-lasting memories either for relaxation or fitness purposes. However, drowning is a real and serious risk, often misunderstood and underestimated, especially when children are involved. Even accomplished swimmers like Fran Crippen, who won gold and silver medals in the Pan American and Pan Pacific games, can fall victim to drowning. Therefore, it is important to educate oneself on the risks and how to respond in case of an emergency.
Drowning doesn’t look like drowning. Unlike what you see in movies, drowning is silent and happens quickly. A person who is drowning may be unable to call for help or wave their arms because they have ingested water and are quickly deprived of oxygen. Look out for signs such as a person bobbing below or slightly above the water surface, gasping for air with closed or glassy eyes, or a person submerged nearby.
Supervision failure is the most common cause of paediatric drowning. Lifeguards on duty are responsible for everyone in and around the water, which can be dozens of adults and children. The safest way to ensure water safety for your children is to be their first line of supervision. Designate a “water watcher” to be on-duty whenever your kids are swimming, and ensure that the lifeguard or water watcher is paying attention.
Be wary of swim programs, floatation devices, or technologies that promote “drown-proofing” or “survival skills.” Although they may have their own strengths and drawbacks, there is no such thing as drown-proof. The key to preventing drowning is always supervision. Do your own research on products and classes, and remember that drowning is silent and fast.
Always wear a properly fitting life jacket when boating or participating in other water activities. Life jackets can help keep individuals afloat in the water, even if they are not able to swim. It’s important to ensure that life jackets are properly fitted and worn at all times when participating in water activities
Be wary of distractions. Distractions such as mobile phones, books, conversations, naps, alcohol, and other children running around can divert attention from water safety. Manage yourself and take breaks to alleviate fatigue, and offer to take over for the lifeguard or water watcher if you see them on their phone.
It’s common for parents to overestimate their child’s swimming abilities, but this can lead to a false sense of security. No matter how good of a swimmer they are, there is always a risk of drowning. Enjoyment and fun are not the same as skill and safety. There is no substitute for supervision in water safety.
Be aware that floaties, pool rings, rafts, and pool noodles are considered as toys, not flotation devices. It is important to read the label on the fun inflatable toy you purchased and remember that it should not be used as a flotation device. The same goes for pool noodles – while they are great for lounging around in the water or playing games, they do not have any safety rating or regulation for malfunction.
Additionally, some of the larger pool inflatables pose a risk as winds can carry them away in open water or capsize them in a pool. If you choose to use these toys for a full day at the pool, it is recommended that you pair them with a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket and remember to supervise your children at all times while they are playing in the water.
Teach children to swim at an early age and enrol them in swimming lessons as soon as possible. Swimming lessons can be a lifesaver for children, as they teach important skills such as floating, treading water, and basic strokes. Enrolling children in swimming lessons at an early age can help them become comfortable and confident in the water.
Alcohol can impair judgment and increase the risk of accidents in or near water. It’s important to avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming or boating activities to ensure safety.
1. Use barriers to prevent access to water, such as fencing around swimming pools or locking gates to access the beach. Barriers such as fences and gates can prevent young children from gaining access to water without adult supervision. It’s important to ensure that any barriers used are secure and in good condition to prevent accidents.
At Easy2Swim, we understand the importance of swimming pool child safety. While it may be uncomfortable to think about, drowning is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. That’s why we hope the pointers we provide are helpful and informative, even if they may seem a little scary.
Our greater purpose at Easy2Swim is to work towards a world without drowning and to promote increased swimming pool child safety. We believe that awareness and education are the key to achieving this goal. By sharing tips and best practices for pool safety, we hope to help families and communities make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards preventing accidents and drowning incidents.
We know that swimming is an enjoyable and important activity for many people, especially children. By emphasising the importance of safety and vigilance around water, we hope to help ensure that everyone can enjoy swimming and other water activities without fear or risk of harm.
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