Summer and be over in the UK, but many parents regularly take their kids swimming at a local pool, and failing that, when on holiday, there?s always a chance that you?ll let your children swim at the beach or in a swimming pool. So, don?t bypass some essential tips and advice from Water Babies, a UK baby swimming school. And then there?s bathtime?
Every parent knows that the combination of water and children is a fun but potentially lethal mix.
Drowning is the second leading cause of injury and death for children in Europe, with very young children the most vulnerable.
Alarmingly, drowning can happen silently, and within seconds, in as little as 2cm of water. So your child?s survival depends on swift rescue and restarting breathing, even while the child is still in the water.
“Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise for children of all ages with proven health and developmental benefits,” says Jess Thompson, co-founder of Water Babies. “It?s also a brilliant family activity. So the good news is that by observing a few simple guidelines parents and carers can minimise the dangers and while maximising the fun.”
Actively supervise young children around water.
The adult watching the child must be able to swim and not be afraid to jump in the water.
If leaving, even for a split second, take your child with you, or designate a known adult to supervise ? never leave an older sibling in charge. Remember, drowning can happen within seconds, so it?s not worth the risk.
Be safety conscious at the poolside
- Check where the rescue equipment and lifeguards are.
- Save the local emergency numbers on your mobile phone.
Flotation devices are not life preservers
- They do not replace supervision and must fit properly.
- Toys and inflatables are often unstable and are therefore a hazard.
- Do not swim at beaches with large waves, a powerful undertow or no lifeguards.
Find out where the lifeguards are and learn water symbols and flags indicating current beach conditions. Follow their advice.
Stay sober
Do not drink alcohol in or around water – it can impair your supervisory and swimming skills.
Learn CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)
Seconds count in preventing death or brain damage. If you don?t know what it is, see the links at the end of this article.
Teach your children these water safety rules
??Never swim alone
??Do not push or jump onto others in or near water ? it might result in injury.
??Do not dive into water unless someone has already tested the depth and checked for underwater hazards.
??Know what to do in an emergency and where to get help
Teach your children how to swim.
“Sadly, a primary factor in cases of fatal drowning, is down to the initial shock of falling into the water,” says Jess. “Our goal at Water Babies is to teach babies, some as young as a few days old, vital life-saving skills, such as turning onto their backs or swimming to the nearest solid object.
“We believe that a child who is used to floating and knows these simple survival skills stands a far better chance of coping with an unexpected immersion.”
Further information
For more practical advice about the developmental, social and physical benefits of swimming for your baby, please visit www.waterbabies.co.uk.
To find out more about CPR, visit Kid?s Health ?or visit eHow