Especially during the summer, children and their families frequent beaches and pools. While swimming is enjoyable for people of all ages, it can also be a source of anxiety for mothers. The water can be dangerous, but with a healthy level of caution and awareness, moms can help prevent disasters from occurring.
Keeping your child safe near water begins with you. Simply staying alert and closely supervising your young children is the best way to make sure they are happy and healthy. At the pool or the beach, monitor your child and take care to stay close enough to intervene at a moment’s notice. You can prepare to supervise your little one by silencing your phone when you are near the water, so that its buzzing will not distract you from your child’s safety. Another thing to avoid by the water is alcohol. You want to stay away from anything that might impair your ability to watch your child attentively.
There are other protective measures you can take before an emergency happens. Learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will prepare you to be the first responder in case your child gets in trouble. This practice can also help in other emergency situations. Whenever you go to the pool or beach, familiarize yourself with the surroundings, keeping in mind which areas are designated for swimming or age restricted. Always avoid things like drains that can prove a threat to little children. Scout out the emergency equipment, such as life jackets, available to you before swimming at any location. To prepare your children, actively practice swimming with them, or enroll them in swimming lessons at a local facility.
If you have your own swimming pool, it is essential that you block it off to prevent children from sneaking or wandering in. Installing things like fences and alarms will help make sure that no child is at the pool alone.
Water safety is important, especially for younger children. Taking protective measures before an emergency happens and then closely supervising your child are vital for keeping her or him safe. By following these preventative steps, you can ensure that both you and your child will have a pool or beach experience that is both careful and fun.
By Chloe Folmar
Editor’s Note: Please be sure to follow local guidelines regarding crowds and social distancing when visiting beaches and pools. Stay safe and healthy!