As the weather warms up and we get closer to pool season it is important to think about swim safety for the kids. There are many proactive things that parents can do to help their kids remain safe in the water.
Be Aware
It is important to always be paying attention when around any body of water. It is a good idea to have someone designated to keep an eye on things. When we go to the pool we almost always have one person who isn’t going to be in the water so they are the person designated to keep an eye out.
Swim Lessons
Swim lessons are so important for kids of all ages. Not only will they learn how to swim properly, but they will learn safety in the water. When my daughter was six months old she started in swim and it helped her tremendously. Swim lessons can teach kids how to safely get in and out of the water and other important safety skills. It doesn’t matter what age, all kids who are around water should learn how to swim. Check out swim lessons at your local YMCA or other local facilities. It is also a great activity in the winter!
Practice
Make sure that your kids are practicing their safety skills when they are in the water. We want swimming to be fun, but it also needs to be safe. Every time my daughter gets in the water, we practice the safety skills that she has learned in her swim classes. It is also important for adults to demonstrate these safety skills, especially for younger swimmers. It may feel like it’s not important, but the kids are always watching so demonstrating the safety skills we are trying to teach is very important.
Make Games
I always like to make games for my little one that helps her to remember her safety skills. We make games of getting in and out of the pool safely and waiting for an adult to be ready. You can also make games for the older kids that help them practice their swimming, going underwater, and holding their breath. Making games that help them practice their skills under close supervision is very important in the development of their swimming and safety skills.
Have a Plan
Having a plan in case of emergencies is crucial to being safe in the pool. Make sure that kids know what to do in case of emergency and how to stay calm. It is also important to know things like CPR in case of emergency. Make sure the kids know how to call 911 and what to tell the dispatcher. It is crucial to have an emergency plan for any situation that could arise from a pop-up storm to a life-threatening emergency.
Use Proper Equipment
When swimming, especially with inexperienced swimmers or in the open waters, it is important to make sure that your kids are using the proper equipment. Make sure that your child has a USCG-approved life jacket that fits them properly. There are several types of floatation devices targeted at kids that don’t help them with their proper positioning in a pool. The non-Coast Gaurd-approved devices help keep kids floating but don’t allow them to learn and use proper swimming techniques which can cause problems when these devices are not in use.