Splashing around in the pool can be a fun summer activity, but it’s important for kids to know how to be safe when doing it. Kids need to know what behavior is expected so they don't take unnecessary risks. Parents need to teach kids water safety even if they plan on being in the water with them. Here are a few important things those water safety lessons should include.
The Need for Supervision
Children should always be supervised when in or near water. Even if the water is shallow and a child seems confident, it's imperative for an adult to always stay alert and available to help. According to Life Saver Pool Fence, supervising adults need to make sure that they are not distracted by other things like a smartphone or a book so they can give their full attention to the child. They should even be in the water nearby, if possible. Children need to understand this as the first rule of water safety, and adults need to be willing to offer some examples of why supervision is necessary without making a child anxious about the water.
Teach children to always keep the adult supervising them nearby and to get out of the pool if they can't see the person who is supposed to be watching them. Teach them to listen to lifeguards and to be aware when the pool they are swimming in doesn't have lifeguards available. Most of all, teach them to never go in the water alone.
Safe Diving Practices
Diving looks like a fun, skilled way to enter the pool, but kids need to understand when it is not safe to dive. Pool depth matters when kids want to dive, and they need to understand that all pools are different when it comes to how deep they are.
Children should always look for signs around the pool that advise them not to dive. If these signs aren't present, kids still shouldn’t assume that diving is safe. They need to find out what the water depth is first. According to GBW.Law, the pool should be at least nine feet deep for diving to help protect children from getting head and spinal cord injuries. This is non-negotiable, and not heeding this advice can lead to major injuries or death.
Find a Partner
When kids are in the water, they should have a partner. This helps kids keep up with each other and offers another set of eyes in case anything goes wrong. A partner is not a substitute for adult supervision, but it helps when the pool is crowded, and kids are trying to gain confidence in the water.
Partners need to know when to call for an adult and that they won't get in trouble for asking for help. Children who are drowning or struggling in the water don't make much noise, according to Soundings Online. A partner can spot this behavior and be the voice that calls for assistance.
Even if a child has taken swim lessons and feels safe in the water, you still need to talk about water safety regularly and supervise at all times. Making sure that your kids are safe when they are playing in the pool will not only help prevent injuries but also give you peace of mind. The pool is great fun on a hot day, but only if everyone knows the rules.
Playing with your child, whether in a pool or not, is a wonderful way to build a relationship with them. Try our family mats for a more comfortable playing experience!