Summertime is near, which means that the swimming season is almost upon us. Kids are antsy to jump into the local pool and have some fun. However, swimming shouldn’t just be looked at as pure recreational fun. For parents, it’s a time to exercise caution and ensure that their kids avoid danger.
Here are some important safety tips when bringing your kids to the pool.
How to Prepare
- Locate the pool’s lifeguard stand. Lifeguards are specifically trained to deal with dangerous situations such as injury or near drownings. A good lifeguard should be able to perform CPR are other lifesaving techniques in emergency situations.
- Make supervision a priority. If there are no lifeguards around, be sure to keep an eye out for your child. Never leave children unattended at a pool, especially if they are near infancy.
- Have your child swim with a partner. This ensures that the pair can constantly look out for one another.
- Check how deep the water is. If your child is particularly young, keep him or her away from the deep end.
Before Something Goes Wrong
- Enroll in safety courses. Take classes in first aid, CPR, AED, and water safety so that you can properly respond to emergency situations.
- Create a plan in case of an injury. The walk around area of the pool tends to have a watery surface, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Bring a first aid kit in case your kid experiences a minor injury. Also, learn how to spot the difference between minor wounds and injuries that are serious enough for a hospital visit. If the injury is serious enough, locate the nearest medical emergency center. Find a personal injury attorney in the aftermath.
Using the Right Supplies
- Apply sunscreen. You don’t want your family to experience sunburn after a long day of direct sunlight. Prolonged sunlight means a higher chance of skin cancer. Be sure to choose a sunscreen brand that actually protects skin from UV radiation.
- Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water. He or she will be doing a lot of physical activity and will be in need of hydration and energy throughout the day. In order to prevent fainting spells, supply your kid with plenty of water and snacks.
And there you have it! As long as you follow the above precautions, visiting the pool will be a great time.
