Water Safety Tips

The Summer vacation is a great time for swimming for kids. Keep it fun by considering the following water safety advice from SafetyEd International

SWIMMING POOLS
Never allow children to be alone around swimming pools. This also means you should not be chatting on the phone or reading a book if you are the person designated to watch over children around a swimming pool.

If the swimming pool is deeper than you are tall, then unless you are a good swimmer you are not qualified to be watching over children playing in the pool.

Pool accidents involving children usually happen quickly and silently. There is rarely splashing or noise to alert anyone. Therefore, your most valuable sense for pool safety is your eyesight. You should be scanning the pool area with your eyes at all times.

Make sure you have a phone in the pool area for emergency calls.

The swimming pool should be properly equipped with basic lifesaving equipment - pole, rope, life preservers, CPR instructions, etc. Make sure you know how to use it. If the swimming pool where your child plays is not properly equipped for lifesaving, then why are you letting your child play there?

Make sure that swimming pool covers are completely removed before allowing kids to play in the pool.

Contact your local Red Cross, and learn CPR. Insist that anyone caring for your child knows CPR also.

Enroll your child in a basic water safety course so that they learn to stay safe while in the water.

Children who are not excellent swimmers should NEVER be out of their depth in a swimming pool, even if they are wearing flotation devices.

If you have a pool at home and your child is "missing" in the house, check the pool first. Remember, in drowning emergencies seconds count.

If children are outside playing in a pool on a hot day, don't forget to make sure they are protected with waterproof sunscreen or sunblock.

OTHER WATER SAFETY TIPS
Do not let children swim in waters unknown to you. Jagged rocks and strong undercurrents can be hidden under waters that appear safe.

Never leave small children alone while bathing them. Make sure you have everything you need on hand before you start their bath. Remember, small children can also drown in buckets, the toilet, or even the dog's water dish.

NEVER swim alone. Try to swim in supervised areas only. Know your swimming limits and stay within them.

NEVER drink alcohol and swim.

Obey "NO DIVING" signs. They are telling you that the water is unsafe for head first entries. Always enter the water feet first rather than head first if you don't know the depth, and step in slowly, don't jump!

Do not chew gum or eat while you swim because you could easily choke. If you have eaten a large meal, it is best to digest it before swimming.

The Red Cross recommends that you wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating and fishing.

Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm. nnnn