It's that time of year again! Kids play in pools, lakes, and the ocean. Parents need to be evermindful of their children, not taking their eyes from them for a moment. It's in that split second that a child can go from a living, breathing, loving child, to a tragedy for the family. Here are ten tips for summer swimming safety:
- Make sure the pool is enclosed by a fence and that the gate is constantly closed and locked.
- Place a motion sensor indicator in the pool so you know when an unauthorized child or dog has taken a dip in your pool.
- Use approved safety devices for nonswimmers. Plastic rings will not prevent a young child from drowning.
- Discourage horseplay around the pool where kids can slip, hit their heads, and enter the water. Even good swimmers can drown this way.
- Sign your children up for swimming lessons. Having your child being able to swim does not mean you can leave him or her alone in the pool, however. It's merely a second line of defense.
- Keep electrical appliances away from the pool where they could fall in and cause electrocution.
- Instruct children on dive safety so they know not to dive into the shallow end of the pool.
- Hair, clothing, legs, and arms can become ensnared in a pool drain that is lacking a VGB-compliant drain cover. Check those covers regularly for damage.
- Children should not swim at night when lighting is not bright enough to be able to ensure the safety of your children.
- Above all, make sure there is CONSTANT supervision. Even distraction from a cell phone call can mean the difference between life and death.
Happy parenting!
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