Water Safety for Kids

It's essential to keep kids safe when they are in or near the water with basic water safety for kids tips. All it takes is a slip for a fatal accident to happen. Drowning is one of the major causes of death for children under 14. Kids can drown in a couple of minutes and in only a couple of inches of water. Taking the right precautions means that kids can have fun in the water while remaining safe. Here are some tips on water safety for kids.

Water Safety for Young Children
Young children are the most at risk, as they are more likely to get into trouble and less likely to be able to swim. Toddlers aged one to three can drown in only a few inches of water, so you need to supervise them at all times. Flotation devices can be helpful, but these must conform to safety standards, and these are not a substitute for constant adult supervision. Even older children require active supervision so you can act as soon as it looks like they might be in trouble.

Swimming Lessons
One of the best ways to keep your kids safe in the water is to make sure that they learn to swim. Young children can follow programs to build their confidence in the water, while children over four can learn swimming skills. This doesn't mean that they will be able to use them in an emergency, so you still need to be vigilant. Keep toys out of the pool when it's not in use so that young children won't be tempted to go in without you.

A key tip when thinking about water safety for kids is that they should always swim with a friend, rather than swimming alone. This means that there will always be someone to notice if there is trouble. Children should swim in places where a lifeguard is on duty and should swim in water that is suitable for their skill level. New swimmers should not go into water that rises higher than the chest.

Pool Rules
Pool rules are there to protect children, so they should obey them. Walk around pools rather than running, to avoid slipping and having an accident. The numbers painted around the pool, known as depth markers, show how deep the water is at certain points. Avoid diving unless it is permitted, as this could result in head or neck injuries.

Pay attention to weather conditions and avoid swimming in bad weather. Also be aware of any hazards near where you are swimming. This could include deep or shallow spots, rip tides or strong currents and pool drains and recirculators. Lifeguard flags will often indicate whether a body of water is safe for swimming. Never swim if a warning flag is up.

At The Lake
When swimming in lakes, aim for an area with clear water and as few obstructions as possible. Check for other signs that the area is looked after, such as clean restrooms, good changing facilities and well-maintained rafts and docks. Do not allow children to swim under rafts and docks. At the beach, children should wear protective footwear if the surface is rocky or uneven. They should always face the waves so they will know what is coming towards them.

Water Safety At Home
Observing water safety rules is also essential to keep kids safe at home. Children must also be supervised by an adult when in the bath to reduce the risk of drowning. If you have to leave the bath, then take your child out and shut the door. If you have a pond at home, cover it with a suitable mesh covering to prevent kids from accidentally falling in. Fence your pool and check that the gate latches securely.

Finally, both parents and older kids can improve their safety around water by taking first aid courses so that they will know what they need to do in an emergency.