Warmer weather means there are a lot of opportunities for water play. Below is a quick refresher on water safety tips for infants, toddlers, and school-age children.
If you are a family working with a nanny, make sure to share these tips with your nanny so that they are up to date on how to keep your children safe when playing in or around water.
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Warmer weather in the summertime means there are a lot of opportunities for water play, so here’s a quick refresher on water safety tips for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children.
And families with nannies, make sure you share these tips with your nanny so that they get this refresher on water safety as well.
General Water Safety Tips
Drowning is silent and can happen in as little as 30 seconds. This means proper supervision is key.
Instead of water watching, practice touch supervision, especially for infants and toddlers. You should be within an arm’s reach of them at all times.
Make sure to eliminate distractions around the water. The focus should be on the child or children.
Be prepared by making sure you’re up to date or have recently reviewed CPR and First Aid training in case an emergency happens.
Pool Safety Tips
Ideally, there should be a one-to-one adult to small child ratio in the pool.
Make sure to empty baby and toddler pools immediately after use and turn them upside down so that they cannot collect any water.
Remember, it only takes one inch of water for drowning to occur.
Home swimming pools should be secured with a four-foot-high self-latching fence.
It’s also a good idea to install locks on these fences or alarms when they open.
Ensure that pool drain covers are intact and consider having anti-entrapment drain covers installed.
Boating Safety Tips
Children should wear a U.S Coast Guard approved life jacket that’s appropriate for their size and weight, and one that also fits properly.
Life jackets shouldn’t sit above ears or bump into chins, if they do, they’re too big.
Also, make sure that you fasten any straps or buckles on each life jacket.
All children 13 years and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times while boating.
Beaches, Rivers, and Lakes Safety Tips
These locations, while fun, do carry some additional risk. Ideally, choose a location with a lifeguard present.
Check the area for any unsafe items in your surroundings, such as broken glass or trash.
Check for any signage that might flag swimming risks and avoid swimming if there are any of these hazards present.
These could include things like unsafe currents or algae blooms.
Don’t stay in the water if there is any thunder or lightning.
Teach young children to face the water when they’re playing at the beach.
Even a little wave can knock a small child over.
That is your quick refresher on water safety tips to help everyone have a safe, happy, and fun rest of the summer.