Many families are planning to spend their time away soaking up the sun or swimming in a pool or on the beach. As families prepare for the warmer weather and head out to warm-weather destinations, water safety is a top priority for many parents. Thus, it’s critical for families to go over water safety tips with their children before any spring break plans.
According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4. The American Red Cross recommends that children be enrolled in a weekly swim lesson. One major reason is that a child or a weak swimmer can potentially drown anytime whether in a home pool, hot tubs, at the beach or in oceans and even buckets.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, many children haven’t been taking swim lessons and for those who knew how to swim, their skills can get rusty after not swimming for almost a year. This make children at a higher risk for getting into a situation where drowning is possible and so parents should take extra precaution to help ensure the safety of their family around pools, oceans and other bodies of water.
Are you planning to take the kids to the beach, or pool for after a winter away from the water? Then let’s get right to it…. here are the basic water safety tips for kids.
Water Safety Tips
A. Use Layers of Protection In & Around Water
- Even if lifeguards are present, you (or another responsible adult) should stay with your children.
- Be a “water watcher” – provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising; avoid distractions including cell phones.
- Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
- Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Take specific precautions for the water environment you are in, such as:
- Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing that separates the water from the house.
- At the beach, always swim in a lifeguarded area.
B. Know the Risks & Take Sensible Precautions – Even If You’re a Strong Swimmer. Always swim with a buddy.
- Don’t use alcohol or drugs (including certain prescription medications) before or while swimming, diving or supervising swimmers.
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating or fishing, even if you don’t intend to enter the water.
- Water Safety Resource Center Houston
C. Ensure That the Entire Family Learns How to Swim
Know What To Do In An Emergency
- If a child is missing, check the water first: seconds count in preventing death or disability!
- Alert the lifeguard, if one is present.
- Recognize the signs of someone in trouble and shout for help. A swimmer needs immediate help if they:
- Are not making forward progress in the water.
- Are vertical in the water but unable to move or tread water.
- Are motionless and face down in the water.
- Rescue and remove the person from the water (without putting yourself in danger).
- Ask someone to call emergency medical services (EMS). If alone, give 2 minutes of care, then call EMS.
- Begin rescue breathing and CPR.
- Use an AED if available and transfer care to advanced life support.
Knowing how to swim is just one step to safety that’s why it’s important to know how to prevent and respond to drowning emergencies. Below are important resource information that you also need to check before making your spring break plans.
Resources provided by the American Red Cross.
American Red Cross Water Safety Resource Center
Swimming Safely in Lakes, Rivers & Streams
Life Jacket Safety Saves Lives
Don’t forget to pack water safety skills for spring break. A friendly reminder from your ApexPro family.
About ApexPro Real Estate
ApexPro Real Estate Group is a full-service real estate brokerage specializing in single family and attached residential properties throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. We are a privately-held small business that brings together top agents, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled service to help clients throughout Houston to buy and sell real estate — and enjoy themselves every step along the way. Our client reviews are exhibits our dedication to help our clients extends beyond the closing table and we would love to earn your business.