Swimming Pool Safety Tips For Kids

On hot summer days, swimming is the ultimate way to beat the heat and the best escape for relaxation. A swimming pool is so inviting and poolside barbecue party is best for entertaining guests and makes for a wonderful time. But although swimming pools are a source of fun and enjoyment, drowning remains a major cause of death and injuries in children. Swimming pool accidents can happen suddenly and without warning. Parents, especially those with young children, must not be too confident that their child is safe even if he or she knows how to swim.

For you and your children to enjoy the water safely, follow these swimming pool safety tips. Such awreness of potential dangers may prevent your child from drowning or suffering an injury.

A child is safest when under close adult supervision. Never let children swim by themselves or let a child who doesn't know how to swim linger around the pool. Parents must always accompany their children especially those who are 4 years old and below.

Assign one adult to watch the pool area at all times during gatherings, with an alternate every 15 to 20 minutes. It is paramount that someone should be there to help in case an accident occurs.

Build a high fence around your swimming pool with a lock on the gate. Young children are curious and their sense of danger is underdeveloped. They often wander out of the house, sees a floating ball or toy in the pool and tries to reach it. In doing so, he falls into the water and drowns.

Young children should wear life jackets or float bands when in or around the swimming pool. Always keep life-saving equipment such as pole and hoop, life preservers and other flotation devices handy near the pool area, favorably hanging from the fence.

Teach your kids how to swim. Kids 5 years and over can take certified swimming lessons where they learn valuable life-saving skills such as basic flotation and the art of holding their breath while under water. They also learn how to kick, do hand strokes and most importantly, the right breathing techniques. A 5-month old baby when exposed to valuable water exploration can develop his/her cognitive and motor skills. It also help older kids learn survival water skills, life-saving methods in case of accidents.

Make sure your backyard swimming pool is snugly covered when not in use. Do not leave any parts open. A curious child may peek inside and fall in accidentally. Also, make sure that your child understands not to walk over the pool cover.

Avoid leaving your toddler alone in small portable pools or to play with water-filled buckets, basins and open containers which can be filled with water. Drowning may occur even in small bodies of water.

Spas and tubs may look harmless but they are inherently dangerous for kids. Young children are sensitive to overheating and the high temperatures in spas might pose certain health risks. Kids must be also be kept away from spools and power-pools, especially when the jet water currents are turned on.

In case of any accident, learn basic CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) techniques. Better yet, learn Infant and Child CPR.

Lastly, install an emergency phone line to call 911 within sight range of the pool so you can describe the situation to the rescue officer.

Written By : Lauren Shield