10 Ways To Promote Water Safety And Prevent Your Child From Drowning

Enrolling your child into a swimming program for kids is an exciting time. It means that through the swimming program or class, your child will be learning the basic skills to successfully swim and reduce their risk of drowning. It means that as a parent, you can feel more comfortable when your child is swimming in the pool, as they will know how to swim. However, while swimming programs are vital to preparing children for the pool or water, parents still need to be cautious of the risk of drowning and aware of proper water safety. Here are ten ways to promote water safety and prevent your child from drowning.  Read carefully and implemented these ten tips the next time you take your child swimming.

Supervision

While your child might have learned how to swim, it is still important to always supervise your children when they are in the water. It is best to keep your eyes on your child (Needs to be “You must keep your eyes on your children at all times”) at all times to insure your children are safe. While they might know how to swim, you will want to be aware if something were to occur, so that you could help out if needed. You should always be close enough to be able to jump in and reach out to help your child if needed.
If you do not know how to swim, be sure to only allow your children to swim where there is a lifeguard or another adult present who knows how to swim. If there is a lifeguard present, but sure they are certified before allowing your children to swim. It is also a good idea for parents to take swimming lessons themselves. This will help to ensure you and your child are both comfortable in the water. You can find a variety of these types of classes to help adults learn to swim as well.

Stay alert of weather conditions

If swimming at a pool, be aware if there is lightning (fixed spelling) or storms approaching, as it is unsafe to be in the water during a storm. The same goes for when you are swimming at the beach, as well as some additional weather conditions to be concerned about.  Strong winds can create rougher waters, and strong rip currents. Rip currents are difficult to swim in and very strong, and could easily pull a child away from your sight. Teach your child to swim parallel to the shore if they are caught in a rip current. You should also become knowledgeable about the water symbols and flags and their meanings, to keep you informed as to whether or not the water is safe to swim in. The lifeguard stand should have a colored flag indicating different conditions such as dangerous marine life, strong current, etc. in order to keep you informed.

Life jackets

If you are planning to take your children out on a boating excursion, make sure that everyone has an appropriately sized and fitting life jacket. You can find recommended life jacket sizing through the United Sates Coast Guard website.
Pool Barriers
If you have a pool at your home and smaller children, be sure to place a proper barrier around the pool, such as a fence or gate. This will prevent your child from entering the pool area without your knowledge and prevent an accident.

Learn CPR

Knowing how to perform CPR better prepares you for being able to help in the event of an accident.  There are Red Cross certified classes offered all over the country.
Review safety and rules
In any situation, whether it be at the pool, the beach, on a boat, there are safety precautions and rules that enable your child to be safe and have fun.  Review these guidelines each time you take your child swimming, so that they have it fresh on their minds.
Teach your children about 911
Always tell your children that calling 911 in an emergency is important, so that they know how to react in the event of an emergency. Reminding them of what to do before each time they go swimming is equally important.

Learn how to swim

Remember, swimming lessons are not limited to children. Many adults do not know how to swim, and as stated earlier, it is important to know how to swim when supervising your children in the water. Maybe you can take classes with your child and you two can learn to swim together.

Stay out of rough water

If you’re visiting the beach and the waters seem to be rough, stay away. Even if it is the last day of your vacation you want to be safe.

Always be alert

No matter what is going on, be alert to the surroundings. Make sure that you have your eyes on your children at all times in the water. Drownings do not always appear as they do in the movies so it’s very important to keep that watchful eye.