Kids Water Safety

Swimming is hands down the favorite childhood activity when the weather heats up. Though splashing about in the water is fun it can contain potential hazards that through precautions and responsibility can be prevented. Childhood drowning has an alarmingly high rate for death in children throughout the nation. Even more frightening is that the majority of childhood drowning accidents occur in a family pool. It can take as little as 90 seconds for a child to lose their life by drowning. The number one way to prevent this tragedy is to teach a child to swim. Infants as young as six months of age can begin learning water safety skills that could save their life. Infant and child swim lessons are offered by the YMCA as well as through a variety of certified swim instructors such as Julie Gross of Swim With Mr. Blue. She understands that swimming lessons can help save a child’s life and are useful at any age.

When it comes to kids and water safety its about education. Kids should be given water safety lessons in how to behave around the water. Wear safety devices on a boat or in the water if you don’t know how to swim. Life vests can help save lives. Kids should be taught to follow pool and beach rules as posted because they keep them safe from accident, injury or illness.

This summer parents and kids should think “ SPLASH”. S is for supervising. Children should always have adult supervision when playing in and around the water be it a pool, lake, pond or the ocean. P is for phone. Keep a phone close by the swimming area in case of emergency. L is for learning. Learn to swim, the earlier the better, but anyone of any age can learn to swim for safety, fun and health. A is for aid. Parents, guardians and babysitters should learn CPR and first aid, because being prepared for an emergency can mean a life can be saved. S is for swim. Swim with a buddy and never swim alone even if you feel that your child is a good swimmer. H is for head. Diving is a popular water activity but can lead to paralysis or other injury. Think feet first before you get into water where the depth is unknown. Think SPLASH this summer and enjoy the water safely.

For more information on kid’s water safety visit www.swimwithmrblue.com.

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