Swim Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know: A Comprehensive Guide
Swimming is an enjoyable activity for people of all ages, especially children. However, ensuring the safety of children around water is paramount for parents and caregivers. Drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional death among children, emphasising the importance of implementing proper safety measures.
So, how do you keep children safe in and around water?
Supervision is key: Always supervise children when they are swimming, whether it’s a pool, lake, or the ocean. Never leave them unattended, even for a moment. Drowning can occur quickly and silently, so constant vigilance is crucial. This is the single most important safety consideration, especially with young children.
While on the topic, it’s recommended to refrain from consuming alcohol or using electronic devices while supervising children near water. These distractions can impair judgment and delay reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
Enrol children in swim lessons: Outside of active supervision, teaching your child how to take care of themselves in the water is the next most important safeguard you can put in place.
Teaching children to swim at an early age can significantly reduce their risk of drowning. Enrol them in age-appropriate swim lessons with a certified teacher. These lessons not only teach swimming skills but also emphasise water safety. Aquastar Swim Schools offers a Learn To Swim program for all ages and abilities, with certified and experienced teachers.
Teach water safety rules: Educate children about the importance of following water safety rules. Emphasise concepts such as not running around the pool, not diving into shallow water, and always asking for permission before entering the water.
Another important safety rule to instil is the use of a buddy system. Encourage children to swim with a buddy or under adult supervision, as this promotes accountability and ensures that someone is always available to provide assistance if needed.
Know CPR and first aid: Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid techniques. While you hope to never need it, in the event of an emergency an immediate response can make a significant difference in the outcome. Every second counts when it comes to drowning incidents.
Stay informed about weather conditions: When it comes to swimming in oceans, rivers and lakes, always be aware of weather forecasts and avoid swimming during thunderstorms or inclement weather. Strong currents, lightning, and heavy rain can pose serious dangers to swimmers of all ages – especially children who may not yet be strong swimmers.
Utilise lifejackets and floatation devices where appropriate: When out on boats or around dangerous bodies of water, approved lifejackets are crucial for people of all ages – especially children. When it comes to floatation devices, their use depends on the situation.
Firstly, these sorts of devices should never be used where a properly approved lifejacket is required; they are intended as aids, nots as lifesaving devices. Floatation devices are a great way to provide a little extra security, help children become familiar with the water, and build their swim skills – but these devices should never replace acquiring skills, nor should they be a substitute for supervision. It’s important that children do not become too reliant on floatation devices or allow them to develop a false sense of security and confidence around water while wearing them. Always pair the use of these devices with sound education around water safety and the development of independent swimming skills.
Prevention and proactive measures are best
By following these swim safety tips, parents can help protect their children from the dangers associated with water activities. Remember, prevention and proactive measures are the best defences against water-related accidents. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and prioritise safety whenever your children are near water.
