Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children aged 1-14, and children aged 1-4 are at the highest risk in their own backyard pools. While it is not the most comfortable topic to discuss, learning how to keep your children safe around water is a crucial conversation that every parent or caretaker needs to have. Being water safe is a major part of our mission here at Swim Fins and with Summer in full swing, more families will be visiting the local pool or body of water and it is a good time to reevaluate your water safety practices.
1. Always Stay Within An Arm’s Reach
Kids need to stay within arms reach and need constant supervision. Always know where children are. Never leave a child unattended in or near water in a pool, tub, lake, river, canal or ocean, even when lifeguards are present. Be aware of potential dangers in all environments. Instruct babysitters and caregivers about potential pool hazards and emphasize the need for constant supervision of children. Even when your kids are able to swim long distances you should always keep them in sight as kids of all ages can get stuck underwater, grow tired, get held underwater and start panicking.
2. Stop Looking At Your Phone
Be alert. Take a break from your phone.The same goes for iPads, laptops, and any other electronics you might bring to kill time by the poolside or beach. It only takes a few seconds for your child to become submerged. Making sure that you are not distracted helps prevent any accidents that could be prevented by attentive supervision.
3. Educate Yourself
Having the ability to do CPR and rescue breathing is an essential life skill for everyone, but it is especially important for those living in homes with pools. Ensure that babysitters have current CPR training and certification. CPR training and certification should be refreshed every one to two years. Pool owners and operators should enroll in a local water safety course that teaches proper rescue techniques. Keep a life-saving ring and shepherd’s hook at the poolside. CPR instructions should be posted poolside. Know how to use the rescue equipment and perform CPR.
4. Teach Them The Basic Water Safety Rules
To keep it simple, stick to these basic water safety rules:
No running by the pool
No pushing people in
Hands to yourself
No swimming without adult supervision
No diving in the shallow end
5. Enroll Your Kids In Swimming Lessons
Swimming is a fundamental life skill that should be taught to children as early as possible in order to prevent accidents in the water. Enrolling your children in swimming lessons while they are young is crucial to developing the necessary water safety habits and swimming skills that could potentially save their lives one day.
For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register