7 essential pool and ocean safety tips for kids
Summer is almost here, and your family is probably looking forward to fun-filled days at the pool or beach!
It’s important to remember that water activities can pose certain safety risks, especially for young children. To help ensure your child has a great time while staying safe this summer, we’ve put together some essential pool and ocean safety tips to keep in mind.
Keep small children within Arm’s reach.
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental child death and can happen quickly and quietly. Make sure to keep a close watch on your little one when they’re in or around the water. Older kids still need supervision too, so keep your kids safe by asking a trusted adult to watch them closely if you’re not around.
invest in swim lessons.
Enrolling your child in swimming lessons at a young age can help them become confident and safe swimmers.Swimming lessons can also help your child learn essential water safety skills such as floating, treading water, and basic rescue techniques.
Plus, this life-saving skill is a great way to help your kid stay active during the summer.
USE LIFE JACKETS.
Make sure your child wears a life jacket when on boats or doing water sports. Even if your child knows how to swim, a life jacket is an added layer of protection to prevent drowning.
Always check that the jacket fits them snugly and is the right size for their weight and height.
feet first, always.
Diving or jumping into shallow water can cause serious head and neck injuries, so it’s important to teach your child to always enter the water feet first.
Encourage them to take safety measures like checking the water’s depth before entering and tell them about the dangers of diving into unknown or shallow water.
make asking for permission a rule.
We all know how quickly kids can get into trouble, even with just a few seconds of distraction.
By setting a rule that your child must ask you or your partner for permission before entering the water, you can add extra protection to your beach or pool safety plan.
talk about ocean currents.
Ocean currents are unpredictable and powerful, so teaching your children about them is important to prevent drowning. Even confident swimmers can get caught in a current and pulled out to sea.
By teaching children about the potential dangers of ocean currents, they’ll be better equipped to make safe decisions and be more water smart when playing in the sea.
protect your kids from the sun.
Dealing with sunburn is unpleasant and painful, especially for kids. So, lather your child with sunscreen that has a high SPF, and reapply every two hours (or more if they’re swimming or sweating).
Overall, water safety for kids is about being proactive and taking precautions. Following these essential water safety tips can help keep your child safe and ensure your family has a fun-filled summer.
At Children’s Medical Group, we know nothing is more important than your child’s well-being. That’s why we’re passionate about offering the highest quality pediatric care. Our team of child specialists provides compassionate, personalized care to children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. We believe in taking a collaborative approach to healthcare, working closely with parents and caregivers to create a customized care plan for each patient. To find your nearest CMG pediatric clinic or to book an appointment, simply click here.
