July 26th, 2009

Keeping your little ones safe around water is a top priority. It only takes a small amount of water and a moments lapse in supervision for the unthinkable to happen. Here are some things to think about when enjoying those watery fun times with family and friends.

1.  If possible enrol your children in swimming lessons from an early age. Teach them poolside safety and educate them about the role of lifeguards.
2. Make sure your child knows only to enter water when you or another nominated adult is with them.
3. Even if your little one wears a swimming aid, DO NOT leave him unattended. These often give  false sense of security even though they clearly state that they are not life preserving items.
4. Toddlers can get over excited in pools and can also swallow lots of water, with this in mind, make sure that they go to the toilet before swimming and that you wait an hour after eating before swimming. If your child is not yet potty trained, make sure that he is wearing the correct type of swim wear.
5. Some pools set aside time for toddler sessions. These are often more relaxing for the water shy and can be less chaotic for you.
6. Check out the pool rules. Is there a  ratio of adults to children that is adhered to? Is diving allowed?
7. Is there a lifeguard on duty? Point her out to your child and make sure they know what the role of a lifeguard is.
8. Make sure you know where the depth of the pool changes and show your child. You can tell them to stay between certain markers (perhaps in the shallow end) where you feel they can play more safely. Especially if you are not going into the water yourself.

Finally, enjoying water often means spending lots of time in the sun. Remember these steps and teach them to your children.

SLIP on a top, SLAP on a hat, SLOP on some sunscreen.

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Tags: child safety, play with your toddler, sun safety, water safety

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