Summer is a great time to relax by the pool with your family and friends. However, it’s important to make sure your child is safe in the pool this summer. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 years old, and the second leading cause of death for children aged 5-9 years old. To keep your child safe this summer, it’s important to be aware of the dangers when swimming.
Water Safety 101
- Always supervise children in and around water. Even if they are strong swimmers, never assume they can take care of themselves in a pool. Adults should be always within arm’s reach of children.
- Make sure the pool is well-protected. Inspect area for gaps or openings that could allow children to enter the pool without supervision. It is also important to ensure there are no objects, such as toys, that could attract children to the pool when there is no adult supervision.
- Teach children basic swimming skills. This includes knowing how to safely enter and exit the pool, how to tread water, and how to signal for help.
These are just a few of the many water safety tips parents should be aware of. Water safety is essential to keeping children safe this summer and for years to come.
What Are the Dangers of Swimming Pools?
Despite the general safety tips, there are still several dangers of swimming pools parents should be aware of. These include:
- Drowning – This is the leading cause of death among children, and it is one of the most serious dangers associated with swimming pools.
- Chemical Exposure – Pool chemicals such as chlorine can cause long-term health effects, including irritations, redness, and respiratory issues.
- Electrical Hazards – Electrical wires and outlets near the pool should be kept away from the water. This is particularly important for children, as they may not understand the danger of electricity.
- Slip-and-Fall Risks – Wet surfaces near the pool can be very slippery, which can lead to falls and other injuries.
Baby Proofing Tips for Parents
Whether you are in your own home or traveling there are items you can purchase to baby-proof your doors to ensure your baby doesn’t wander to the pool area unsupervised.
- Lock gates – If you are in your own home or staying in an AirBnB that has a pool, make sure the gate or doors to the pool are locked once everyone has gone inside.
- Alarms – If the unit has an alarm, don’t forget to set an alarm at bedtime or take with you a purchased door alarm, to notify you if your child wanders near the pool area.
- Baby proof area – Door buddies and door lock levers can be taken with you while traveling.
- Lights – Lights in the pool can help you see if there are any objects in the pool.
- Bright neon swimsuits and pajamas for children – studies show that bright neon colors such as neon yellow, orange, and green are the best option for children to be visible underwater while swimming.
It’s essential parents take precautionary steps to keep their children safe while they’re swimming. A child should never swim unsupervised or without appropriate equipment or instruction. Keeping children safe in and around the pool should be a priority for every parent. Following these tips will ensure your children are safe while having fun this summer.
Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care opened in 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. With multiple locations in San Antonio and Dallas, they are open seven days a week with extended evening hours and see walk-in patients or through an online check-in system. They accept most commercial insurance and Medicaid plans.
