Every parent knows the smell of summer. It’s a combination of sunscreen and sticky sweet watermelon, coupled with a light hint of chlorine that perfumes the back of your child’s neck. Those nostalgic smells evoke great sunny memories, many of which will be made sitting by a pool this summer. As you relax by the lake, ocean or pool, keep in mind a few of these water safety tips that are vital for a fun and safe summer season.
1. Swimming Lessons
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests to start early with swimming lessons, because children ages one to four may have a lower risk of drowning if they’ve had some form of instruction. There are usually great beginner classes at your local pool for little ones— the Wood River YMCA has a class for first-time developing swimmers where they work on basics like kicking, floating, blowing bubbles and breath control. Parents must accompany their child in the water, and class can turn out to be a fun family activity as your babe learns to get comfortable with the water in the arms of mom and dad.
2. Pay Attention
Besides actually teaching them to “swim” at such an early age, it is important to never leave children unattended in or near the pool. Children can drown in just inches of water, so making sure that you have your eyes on them at every moment when they are in the vicinity of a pool that contains much more than a few mere inches of the wet stuff is paramount.
3. Avoid Floaties
The AAP also advises against the use of “floaties,” as they may give children and parents a false sense of security, and are not actually approved flotation devices—they may look cute on your bathing beauties, but they are not the real deal for water safety.
4. Rescue Equipment
Make sure to keep rescue equipment, as well as a portable phone near a backyard pool in case of the serious and dangerous situation. A shepard’s hook—a long pole with a hook on the end— is an important pool safety piece to have accessible, especially if you have other people’s children over. You want to be as prepared possible with your kiddos around a pool, especially if you are responsible for other people’s little ones.
Water safety is not something to take lightly this season or any time, for that matter. Follow these simple tips for a safe and splash-filled summer. Happy swimming!
