The summer season is here! On Memorial Day Weekend, Monday, May 30, parents and their kids will enjoy heaps of swimming activities to welcome the long break from school.
But along with the return to the beach or the swimming pool, swim experts are sharing some swimming safety tips to ensure that families won't spoil their summer with accidents in the water that can be prevented.
Here's what parents and kids have to bear in mind when they get back in the water:
1. Never swim alone.
Regardless of age and skills, kids and adults must never swim alone, especially in open water. Not many parents know that about 23 percent of drowning accidents happen at family swimming activities. Christine Palmer of Goldfish Swim School said via CBS News that there should be a designated "water watcher" if family members are heading for a swim. This person acts like a lifeguard who looks after family members on the beach or pool. The water watcher must also not have distractions like cell phones or books to properly keep tabs on those still in the water.
2. Never be complacent.
Be aware of the surroundings and their limitations. Even the most skilled or competent swimmers may still be at risk if they don't have an understanding of the environment, whether the family is swimming in the pool, the river, the lake, or the beach.
For extra safety, only swim at lifeguarded beaches or pools so that you can call for help immediately if something goes wrong. If an inexperienced swimmer is in the family, let them wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets during other water activities like kayaking.
Also, be aware of swim devices used in the water and make sure that these aren't broken or punctured. Using defective inflatables, for example, can lead to accidents.
3. Know the hazards of pools.
A pool's standing water might not seem dangerous, but it's still a safety risk for families with small kids who could fall and drown in it. Thus, consistent supervision is still necessary so that there will be no accidents.
According to YMCA North, pools should have barriers or fences to prevent wandering toddlers from going in by accident. Make sure that the pool also has good steps for climbing in and out with ease, especially if you have family members with mobility issues.
4. Shower before entering the pool.
Epidemiologist Amanda Ingram also recommends taking a shower before getting into the pool so that family members won't bring any germs, per WTVM. If the toddlers are swimming, parents need to check their diapers first to prevent water contamination.
Families need to remember that many people accidentally swallow pool water. While there's usually chlorine to kill the bacteria, there could still be a residue that may make people sick.
5. Learn to swim.
The summer season is also the start of swimming lessons for many kids. If taught earlier, swimming lessons will also help kids develop their physical strength and stamina.
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