10 Tips for Water Safety for Kids
Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the excitement of swimming and splashing around in the pool. Surrounded by beautiful Myrtle Beach, a dip in the ocean is the perfect complement to a day of sun and sand—which is why water safety tips for kids are so important this time of year.
For many families, the pool is a great way to spend time together and beat the heat. However, it is important to remember that swimming can also be dangerous, especially for children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause among children ages 5 to 14.
To help keep your kids safe this summer, here are 10 water safety tips for kids to keep in mind.
Our Top 10 Tips for Water Safety for Kids
1. Supervise Your Children
The most important rule of water safety is to always supervise your children when they are in or around the water. This means keeping a close eye on them at all times and never leaving them alone, even for a moment.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission,most child drownings occur when adults are not present. In addition, children do not always make noise, scream or thrash around when they accidentally fall into a pool.
When at the beach, close adult supervision is even more important because of the unpredictable nature of waves and ocean tides.
2. Teach Your Kids to Swim
Children should begin formal swimming lessons around age 5. Swimming lessons can teach kids important skills, such as floating, treading water, and breathing techniques.
However, it is important to remember that even children who know how to swim are still at risk of drowning.
3. Use Life Jackets
No water safety for kids list would be complete without mentioning the importance of life jackets. These are vital for children who are not strong swimmers or who are playing in the water. Make sure your child’s life jacket fits properly and is appropriate for their size and weight. This is particularly important if your child is playing in the ocean, even if the water is shallow.
4. Fence Your Pool If You Have One
If you have a pool in your backyard, it is important to have a fence that surrounds the pool and is at least 4 feet high. The gate should be self-closing and self-latching, and the latch should be out of the reach of children.
5. Remove Toys and Floats from the Pool
Toys and floats can be a temptation for children, and they can also be a hazard. Make sure to remove all toys and floats from the pool when not in use, as they can also obstruct your view of the water and make it difficult to see if someone is in trouble.
6. Know CPR
Learning CPR can be a life-saving skill. In the event of an emergency, it can take emergency responders several minutes to arrive on the scene. By knowing CPR, you can help keep someone alive until help arrives.
7. Check the Weather
Before heading to the pool or beach, it is important to check the weather forecast. If thunderstorms are in the area, it is best to stay out of the water. Lightning can strike even if the storm is several miles away.
8. Parents and Guardians Should Avoid Alcohol
At first, this may not be an obvious addition to our water safety for kids list, but we feel it makes an important point.
When you drink, your judgment is impaired, and you may be slower to react if your child is in danger. Alcohol can also limit your ability to swim and to get to your child quickly in an emergency.
9. Keep Your Pool Clean
Bacterial illnesses present another aspect of water safety for kids. Make sure to keep your pool or the pool you use clean and well-maintained. This includes regularly checking the chemical levels and ensuring that the pool is free of debris. A dirty or poorly maintained pool can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs.
10. Teach Your Children About Water Safety
Finally, it is important to teach your children about water safety from a young age. Talk to them about the dangers of swimming alone, the importance of wearing a life jacket, and the rules for using the pool and the beach.
By remembering and discussing these 10 tips for water safety with your kids, you can help keep them safe this summer and for years to come.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
A drowning child is a terrifying nightmare for any parent, but despite your best efforts of following our tips on water safety for kids, children can still be in danger and emergencies do happen.
The first thing to remember is that every second counts. If you think your child is drowning, act quickly and calmly. Here are the steps to take in case of a drowning emergency:
Call for Help
The first thing you should do is call for help. Call out for someone to dial 911 or your local emergency number.
Remove the Child from the Water
If your child is in the water, remove them immediately. Every second counts, and getting them out of the water quickly can make a huge difference.
Check for Breathing and Pulse
Once your child is out of the water, check for breathing and a pulse.
Administer CPR
If your child is not breathing, begin administering CPR. Start with rescue breaths, followed by chest compressions.
Keep Performing CPR Until Help Arrives
Continue performing CPR until emergency personnel arrive on the scene.
Remember, the best way to prevent drowning is to take precautions to ensure your child’s safety around water.
Always supervise your children when they are in or around water, make sure they wear life jackets when appropriate, and teach them to swim as early as possible. With these safety measures in place, you can help prevent drowning emergencies from occurring in the first place.
Conway Medical Center Provides Leading Pediatricians in Myrtle Beach, Horry County, and Conway
While these tips can help keep your kids safe, accidents can still happen. That is why it is important to have access to quality pediatric care in your community.
Conway Medical Center’s pediatric services in Horry County, South Carolina have a longstanding tradition of caring for the community. From routine check-ups to help with conditions such as childhood obesity and UTIs, let us help guide your child to the healthiest life possible.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our leading pediatricians in Myrtle Beach and Horry County at one of our convenient locations.
