Children spend a lot of time in the water during the summer. Kids have fun with family and friends while swimming in pools or lakes. Although swimming is an enjoyable and healthy activity for kids, it can also be a dangerous activity unless safety is a priority. If your child spends time in the water, make every effort to ensure that both you and your child completely understand water safety.
Swimming Lessons
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you teach your child to swim at about the age of five. Children of this age can better retain information and understand swimming techniques. Many recreational facilities also offer swimming lessons for kids. Proper training can make a major difference in your child's safety in the water.
Supervision
When your child is swimming, make sure she is supervised by an adult who is trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under the age of five be within the reach of an adult while swimming. Have a phone near the lake or pool in case of an emergency, and don't let yourself get distracted when your child is swimming. A child can drown within seconds. According to KidsHealth, young kids should wear Coast Guard-approved life vests when they are near water.
Drowning Prevention
If your child is not a strong swimmer, make sure that he does not swim in the deep end of the pool. Your child can get better at swimming in the shallow end before venturing into the deep end. Also, have your novice swimmer stay near the edges of the pool. Keep rescue devices like a life preserver or a shepherd's hook nearby in case your child is in distress while swimming, according to the AAP.
Injury Prevention
Many kids love to jump and dive into the water. This can be hazardous if the water is not deep enough. Serious spinal injuries can occur when children dive into shallow water. Make sure that you know the depth of a pool or lake before letting your child jump or dive into it. Your child should also watch out for other swimmers when jumping into a pool in order to prevent injuring them. Running around the pool should also be avoided so that your child does not slip on the wet surfaces.
Sun Protection
Too much time spent in the sun can cause serious sunburns. Sun damage can also lead to skin cancer in the future. Your child should wear a strong sunscreen while swimming. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a child should wear a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.
Health Precautions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimmers may be exposed to a wide variety of germs when swimming in pools, lakes or other bodies of water. Tell your child to avoid swallowing the water while swimming. If your child wears a diaper, you can prevent contaminating other swimmers by making sure that your child's diaper is clean.
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