Swimming Safety

Most public pools have lifeguards on duty. However, at places like beaches, some areas are not as supervised as others. Opt for the better-supervised areas. In large bodies of water, more supervision is needed. With at-home pools, make sure children are not swimming alone and there is an adult present to actively watch during swimming times.

Drowning can easily go undetected. For inexperienced swimmers, make sure there are plenty of floatation devices present as they can be essential to avoid accidents. For young children, water wings and life jackets are another great way to ensure they remain safe. However, floatation devices are not a substitute for supervision.

One of the best ways to prepare children for safe swimming is by teaching them how. Treading water and floating, are great skills to teach as well. With plenty of toys, games, and fun floaties, teaching kids how to swim can be an enjoyable time for everyone. And be sure to mention some key safety tips like; swim with a buddy and make sure an adult is present. This is especially important if there is a home pool where a child lives.

This is key when spending time near open water. Check local information centers for warnings about high tides, bad weather, rip tides, and other risks that could occur. And don’t ignore any posted signage about risky water conditions.

A general rule of thumb is that there should be no diving in depths of 9 feet or less. If you don’t know for sure, do not try. Young children who are not experienced with diving should be encouraged to enter the water feet first. If they want to dive, have them practice in safe areas while being supervised.