When it comes to swimming, kids have a lot of fun in the sun. They can splash around, make new friends, and explore their world in a whole new way. But as any parent knows, there are also dangers lurking in the water. You can never be too sure about your child’s safety, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here are some tips on how to keep your kids safe when swimming.
Teach your children how to swim
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s essential to ensure that your children know how to swim before you let them go near water unsupervised. There are many great swimming classes available for kids of all ages. You can also find helpful videos online that will teach your children the basics of swimming.
You can teach your children how to swim as soon as they reach six (6) months old. There are many benefits to teaching your children how to swim at a young age, including:
- It helps them get used to the water.
- They learn how to move their bodies in the water.
- They learn how to breathe properly while swimming.
- It builds their confidence.
- And it’s just plain fun!
If you don’t know how to swim, there’s no need to worry. You can learn alongside your children.
Don’t let your children swim alone
Even if your children know how to swim, you should never let them swim alone. There should always be an adult who can supervise and provide assistance. You can take turns swimming with your children or have someone else watch them while you take a break.
If you’re at the beach, make sure to stay within arm’s reach of your children. And if you’re at a pool, don’t leave them unattended even for a minute.
Use life jackets and other floatation devices
Floaties for kids are a great way to keep your children safe when swimming. These include inflatable rafts, swim noodles, and pool floats. They provide a layer of protection against drowning, and they can also help keep kids afloat if they get lost or separated from their parents. These are especially useful if you are swimming in a crowded area or near a body of water.
Moreover, many kids feel safer when they’re wearing a life jacket, and with good reason – life jackets can help keep children safe in the water. When it comes to these, it’s essential to ensure that they fit your kids properly. If they are too big, they will be less effective during an emergency. If they are too small, they may not provide enough protection. Here are a few tips on how to make sure life jackets fit your kids properly:
- Measure your child’s chest circumference and compare it to the life jacket’s size chart.
- Make sure the life jacket is snug around your child’s chest. It should not be too tight or too loose.
- Check the straps and make sure they are properly adjusted. The life jacket should fit snugly against your child’s body without any excess material hanging off.
- Let your child try on the life jacket in different positions (sitting, standing, etc.) to ensure it fits well in all situations.
- Make sure the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
Be aware of the dangers of rip currents
Rip currents are formidably powerful and can very rapidly drag even the most skilled swimmers out beyond the waves. They are caused by the waves crashing against the shoreline. Keep your kids away from the water if you see rip currents. They can be especially dangerous for children because they may not be able to swim out of them.
If you are at the beach, stay away from rip currents and always swim with a buddy. Do not try to swim against it – you will only tire yourself out. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current, then swim back to shore.
Know the signs of drowning
Drowning is often silent and can happen quickly, so it’s essential to be aware of the signs of drowning. These include head low in the water, mouth at water level, eyes glassy and empty, hair over forehead or eyes, struggling legs, and arms waving or pulling downward. If you see any of these signs, it’s essential to act quickly and get help from a lifeguard or other trained individual as soon as possible.
Swimming is a great way for kids to get exercise, learn how to stay safe in the water, and have fun. Parents need to know how to swim so they can supervise their children properly and keep them safe. You should also make sure your children are wearing life jackets or other floatation devices when they are swimming. Be aware of the dangers of rip currents and know the signs of drowning so you can take action if needed. So have fun and stay safe!
