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Vital Water Safety Efforts and Potential Hazards

new water safety study released by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission shows that drowning is still the primary cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of one-to-four. Learning to swim and first getting into the water, whether it is at a local swimming pool, or beach, can be a thrilling experience for a young child. Learning to swim is an important life skill, and being comfortable in the water opens up doors to exploration and adventure that children can use throughout their lives.

All of that said, there are some important water safety protocols your children need to understand, and you, as an adult, need to be aware of just how startling the drowning data is. Below are some things to keep in mind, any time you are supervising young children in the water.

Always be paying attention when kids are in or near the water

This water safety rule is specifically for supervising adults. When a young child is in the water, never take yours eyes off of him or her. It only takes 25 seconds for a young child to drown, even if they are paddling around in the shallow end, or a ‘kiddie’ pool. Inexperienced swimmers need constant supervision and monitoring. If you are always aware of the dangers, and constantly checking up on young ones, you are mitigating risk.

Never assume flotation devices are failproof

Another big mistake most adults make with small children in the water is assume that flotation devices like water wings, or pool noodles are babysitters. These flotation devices are not meant to save lives. The only things that are designed to do that are approved life jackets. It is often a good idea to have inexperienced swimmers wear a life jacket while in the water, and it is certainly a good idea to have them wear one while around water. In 2015, there were 351 reported fatal child drownings in pools and spas which may have been prevented had life preservation devices been used.

Swimming lessons and water safety training

Learning to swim is an essential, perhaps even the most important water safety tool a human being can have. All over the world people drown in situations which, had they received some swimming and water safety training, could have been preventable. Swimming lessons at local aquatic centres, or rec-centres provide both children and parents with peace of mind. Being able to swim is both a skill and, in many cases, a life-saving necessity.

The stark reality of swimming-related fatalities

Almost three quarters of hospital visits for non-fatal drowning-related injuries in the United States involve children under the age of 15. Most of these incidents happen in residential pools. Most children love the water, and even children who have been taught water safety can let their excitement get the better of them when pool fun is involved.

Parents should encourage their kids to get in the water and to live and enjoy life, but they should absolutely make sure they know the risks they are taking, and ensure their children are well protected. At British Swim School in the Greater Toronto Area, we provide parents with the peace of mind that their children have the skills to handle themselves in and around the water.

The above information isn’t meant to scare parents from keeping their children out of the water altogether. Rather, it is meant to drive home the inherent risks involved. The aim of British Swim School is to provide parents with information and recommendations in order to ensure that children are always well protected around the water.

Get in touch with British Swim Schools today and give your children (and yourself) the water safety training that will keep them safe and sound every time they are at the pool, beach or lake.

References

(2018). “CPSC Calls for Increased Water Safety Efforts as Summer Swim Season Arrives.” Pool Safety. Retrieved from: https://www.poolsafely.gov/news/cpsc-calls-for-increased-water-safety-efforts-as-summer-swim-season-arrives/

Lawler, K. (2018). “8 Life-Saving Water Safety Rules Every Parent Needs to Know.” Parents. Retrieved from: https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/safety/tips/8-life-saving-water-safety-rules-every-parent-needs-to-know/

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