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Water Safety

Memorial Day is almost upon us, which unofficially marks the start of summer vacation. With warmer temperatures and longer days here, lots of kids will be playing outside. Whether they are younger children or teens, here are some tips and guidelines to keep your family safe while they enjoy water activities.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a pool, the beach, lake or a pond, safety guidelines need to be enforced. Going to the pool is one of the most common summertime activities. Always have an eye on your children while at the pool, and never leave them unattended. Even if a lifeguard is there and your child knows how to swim, a designated watcher is always needed. The sides of pools are also made of concrete, so making sure your child slowly walks around the pool is imperative to avoid any slips or falls. Most pool organizations have their own set of guidelines to be obeyed. When you first arrive at the pool, spend some time going over the rules with your children, and always ask if a lifeguard is on duty.

Swimming in the ocean is trickier than swimming in a pool. Check with the lifeguard to determine how high the waves are and how strong the currents are that day when you first get to the beach. If a warning flag is posted, stay out of the water. Just like the pool, you should always keep an eye on your child while in the water. Waves can knock him down and push him to the ocean floor. Rip currents can be so strong that they can carry your child away from shore before she even knows what is happening. Teach your child to swim parallel to the shore if he gets caught in a rip current or flag down a lifeguard. While coming upon a shark isn’t likely, it is important your child doesn’t swim out too far. If stung by a jellyfish, immediately find the nearest lifeguard.

Lakes and ponds can be risky, because you can’t always see the bottom; therefore your child may not know the depth. Jumping in is not advised, unless you absolutely know the depth of the water is deep enough. Diving into shallow water often causes broken bones, sometimes catastrophically. Wearing a life jacket is always a good idea until the depth of the water is known. Some lakes and ponds hide sharp rocks, broken bottles, or trash along the bottom. Have your child wear something protective over his feet just to be sure. Lastly, some lakes and ponds may contain snakes. Snakes are usually found in shallow water or around rocks, so tell your child to be mindful and cautious of the surroundings. Along with the pool and beach, it is vital to always watch your children while they are in the water.

It is important that your children know their limits when it comes to playing in the water. No matter how confident or capable they may be, you should always watch out for them. Along with the swimming safety tips, make sure your child is also wearing enough sunscreen and stays hydrated while out swimming. Summer is supposed to be a fun time for you and your family. By following these tips and guidelines, you can help ensure your child will be safe while having fun in the water this summer.

Sources:
Verywellfamily.com
Kidshealth.org