When the weather becomes warm, everyone wants to be in and around the water. Hanging out at the beach or swimming pool on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. Between having fun and checking out the different sights, most people don’t think much about water safety — but they should. Learning how to swim is essential if you plan on beingsafe in and around water.
Swimming Smarts
“Buddy up!” Always swim with a partner, every time — whether you’re swimming in a backyard pool or at the beach. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps, which might make it difficult to get out of the water. When people swim together, they can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency.
Know your limits.
Swimming can be a lot of fun — and you might want to stay in the water as long as possible. If you’re not a good swimmer or you’re just learning to swim, don’t go in water that’s so deep you can’t touch the bottom of the floor, and don’t try to keep up with skilled swimmers. Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other changing conditions in the open water. The good news is there are many ways to keep your kids safe in the water and make sure that they take the right precautions when they’re on their own.
Keeping Kids Safe Kids
Need constant supervision in and around the water — whether the water is in a bathtub, a wading pool, a swimming pool, a spa, the beach, or a lake. Always watch children closely when they’re in or near any water. If you don’t already, it’s a good idea to learn how to swim, and find your nearest swim school or recreation center who can provide swimming lessons for children of all ages. All kids need to be supervised in the water, no matter what their swimming skill levels are. And infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer within arm’s reach to provide “touch supervision.” Don’t forget the sunscreen and reapply frequently, especially if the kids are getting wet. UV sunglasses, hats, and protective clothing can also help provide sun protection.
