As the weather starts to heat up the thoughts of crystal clear waters to wade, splash around and swim in are swirling in all water-lover’s heads’. Not soon after that, thoughts of the reality of how dangerous water play can be for swimmers of all ages should soon follow. Let’s agree not to panic, but rather think and research together what we can do to make certain our friends and loved ones are safe while enjoying the water this season.
*Below are 7 water safety suggestions to begin with as you start your own research on how to encourage your family to be safe in the water all summer long:
Swim Lessons Whether you’ve had lessons in the past, have never had formal swim lessons or you think you’re a pretty good swimmer, consider brushing up on your skills and/or gaining real swim experience by investing in swim lessons. AquaTech offers Summer Intensives which are swim lessons geared to accelerate a swimmer’s skill, ability and safety while in the water.
Constant supervision…constantly! There is no substitution for careful watchful eyes as you and your loved ones play in or around a body of water (swimming pool, lake, bath tub, etc.). Never assume someone else is watching your swimmer and never leave young children unsupervised while swimming, wading or playing near water.
“Risky play” Having fun while swimming is a given, but when fun turns into risky play like diving or swimming in unfamiliar water, tragedy could occur. Talk with your family about what kind of play is safe and appropriate in and around water. For example, swimmers should never run around a swimming pool, as serious injury could occur. Never swim alone, regardless of age or swimming ability.
Sunscreen While having fun out in the sun near water, be sure to have plenty of sunscreen to lather up your swimmers. It only takes minutes for skin to burn by the UV light of the sun, so seek shade when you can and be certain to put sunscreen on at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply after prolong swimming.
Water wings? “Water wings”, “noodles”, “floaties” and inflatable tubes are NOT safety devices. Under strict adult supervision some can assist a young swimmer to float, but ARE NOT substitutions for supervision. If you’re going to purchase a water flotation safety device, look for US Coast Guard approved life vests which are designed and tested for safety.
Become familiar with the surroundings near recreational water areas. Even if you and your loved ones don’t plan on swimming, it is important to survey the area for unprotected water hazards.
Learn CPR and rescue breathing. You never know what may happen when you are around a swimming pool or other body of water and you may be the one who can save a life! Get certified today!
*This is by no means an exhausted list of water safety measures.
END NOTES:
Source:
-National Drowning Prevention Alliance (www.ndpa.org)
-Pediatrics Vol. 105 No. 4 April 2000, pp. 868-870: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
-Swimming Programs for Infants and Toddlers: Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness and Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention
-www.merck.com Sunburn
This entry was posted on May 18, 2010, 11:06 pm and is filed under Advice, Swim Lessons. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.