For kids and summertime, nothing spells relief from the hot sun like a
dip in the swimming pool. It’s also a great deal of fun ... and that’s
what kids want after all.
And by practicing a few safety precautions, there’s no need for this
pleasant, relaxing and cooling summer activity to turn to tragedy.
Common sense — and swimming lessons — are the keys.
"Anyone is at risk for drowning when they become careless or go in the
water unprepared," says Dr. W. Scott Colliton, a pediatrician at
Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. "It’s important that parents
take the time to go over a few swimming safety rules with their
children before heading for the pool or lake."
Dr. Laura Fitzmaurice, chief of Emergency Medicine at Children’s Mercy,
says it only takes a couple inches of water and just a few minutes for
children to drown. "That’s why young children need constant supervision
when they are near any kind of water," she says.
At Children’s Mercy, more than 20 children a year are seen for near
drownings. Some of those who recover suffer permanent damage. The
following tips are offered for water safety:
- Sign up your child for swimming lessons from a certified teacher.
Check with the Red Cross, YMCA or local park and recreation
departments. These courses can give children basic swimming skills and
teach them what to do in case of an emergency.
- Teach children to swim with a buddy, never alone. Buddies look out
for each other and know what to do when their buddy is in trouble in
the water.
- Teach your children to swim only in places where someone, usually a
lifeguard, is watching.
- Beware of backyard pools, hot tubs or Jacuzzis in the neighborhood,
especially those not fenced. Your child could wander off and
accidentally fall in.
- Never let older children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries,
canals or ponds. Older children are at risk of drowning when they
overestimate their ability or underestimate how deep water is.
- Read the rules posted at beaches and pools. If your child is not
sure about a rule, ask a lifeguard.
- Anytime there is lightning in the sky, keep your children away from
the water. Water is one of the best conductors of electricity. Children
in the pool when lightning strikes will be electrocuted.
- Inner tubes and floats are great water toys, but they should not be
used for children who can’t swim without their assistance. Don’t count
on these floats to keep your child’s head above water.
By teaching your children these simple rules of swimming safety, your
whole family can enjoy safe and fun times at the pool or beach this
summer.
