Water Wise Tips to Keep Children Safe
We know water is everywhere. Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a dip in the community or backyard pool, you can ensure that swimming is as safe as it is fun by following a few basic safety tips.
Top Tips about Swimming Safety
•Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time.
•Have a designated water watcher to be distraction free to focus on the pool or area of water the children are playing in or around.
A great idea is to have the Designated Water Watcher wear a fun hat to easily identify that a person is at the poolside.
•Teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development and how often they are around water when deciding if they are ready for swim lessons.
•Make sure kids learn these five water survival skills ◦Step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface;
◦Float or tread water for one minute;
◦Turn around in a full circle and find an exit;
◦Swim 25 yards to exit the water; and exit the water.
◦If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder
•Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
•Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a child’s life
