Water Safety Tips From AboutKidsHealth
Family trips to the beach, hanging out by the pool or heading out on a boat are all fun ways to spend a hot summer day. But if you have children, safety concerns about being around water can add to your stress. Even if your kids know how to swim it’s important to make sure someone is watching them the entire time they are in the water. To help make your summer fun and worry free, here are some tips on water safety from AboutKidsHealth.
Adult supervision is required at all times while your child is swimming. The adult should be trained in basic first aid and CPR just in case. Children can drown in just a few centimetres of water—enough to cover their nose and mouth. Even kids who are strong swimmers can drown.
Enrol children in swimming and water safety lessons.
Here are some suggestions to make swimming as safe as possible:
- Enroll children in swimming and water safety lessons.
- Keep life-saving equipment, such as a safety ring or a rope, near the pool.
- Construct a fence around backyard pools with a self-closing gate and make sure that any doors leading to a pool are self-closing and kept locked.
- Kids under the age of three or those who can’t swim should wear a life jacket or a personal flotation device (PFD). Water wings are not enough to keep a child’s head above water.
- Always swim in supervised areas at beaches or waterfronts.
Boating
Remind kids to keep their arms and legs inside the boat at all times. In smaller boats like canoes or rowboats, it’s also important to not rock back and forth to avoid tipping over. Always get into the boat slowly and carefully so you don’t fall out.
Whether your child can swim, make sure they are always wearing a life jacket or PFD when they are in a boat. Set a good example for your kid by always wearing a life jacket or PFD yourself!
What’s the difference between a lifejacket and a PFD?
Lifejackets—when worn properly—are designed to turn a person from face down to face up in water.
A PFD is designed to keep you afloat, but often have less flotation and are not as effective at turning a person over. PFDs are generally less bulky and more comfortable.
Things to look for with life jackets and PFDs:
- Carefully choose a PFD for your child based on their size and weight—not just any one will do!
- Ones that have a collar will help keep a child’s head up in water.
- It should have a handle to pull your child out of the water.
- It should have a safety strap to stop it from sliding over your child’s head.
