Swimming, whether in a lake during the summer or a hotel pool in winter, is a delightful and soothing activity. Yet, without proper precautions, it carries risks, particularly for children.
I often discuss water safety with parents, who usually understand the importance of supervising their kids near water. However, many hold the misconception that they would “hear” if their child was in distress in the water. Unfortunately, drowning is often silent.
The belief that having more adults around increases safety is another common misconception. This assumption can lead to a lack of active supervision, as everyone assumes someone else is watching, potentially leading to emergencies.
The Reality of Swim Safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an average of 10 daily drowning deaths in the United States, unrelated to boating, with nearly one more death daily due to boating-related incidents.
Children under 14 account for 20% of these deaths. Most drownings for children between 1 to 4 years old occur at home in swimming pools or other water-containing structures.
Water Safety Tips for Parents and Guardians
The majority of water-related incidents can be prevented by adhering to these seven essential safety practices whenever your family is near water:
- Appoint a Water Watcher: Assign someone to actively watch the children in or near the water. This person should be proficient in CPR and swimming. Utilizing a water watcher card can help emphasize the responsibility of actively monitoring the water without distractions.
- Learn CPR: Community organizations, along with the American Heart Association and American Red Cross, offer CPR training. This skill is invaluable in emergencies.
- Teach Water Survival Skills: Swimming lessons are crucial for teaching children how to respond if they fall into water. Even young or inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Avoid Inflatable Swimming Aids: Floaties and similar aids do not guarantee safety and can instill a false sense of security. Rely on approved life jackets and swimming lessons instead.
- Enforce Basic Water Safety Rules: Implement and enforce safety rules like no diving, swimming with a buddy, walking (not running) near water, and avoiding pool drain covers.
- Ensure Pool Drain Safety: Use pools with secure and intact drain covers to prevent entrapment.
- Secure Home Pools: Surround your pool with a proper fence and install an audible gate alarm. After use, empty kiddie pools and other water containers.
When to Start Swim Lessons
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests starting swim lessons as early as age one. Early lessons can make babies comfortable in water and introduce basic survival skills. Remember, swim lessons are not a replacement for adult supervision.
By age four, children are ready for more structured swimming lessons to learn essential safety skills. Ensure classes are led by certified instructors and that parents feel comfortable with the teaching approach.
Staying vigilant is key to preventing water-related incidents. Understanding common childhood risks and injuries can help parents provide a safe environment for their kids, both in and out of the water.
