Basic Pool Safety for Children and Toddlers
Reviewing Water Safety Rules with Kids to Prevent Drowning Accidents
Jun 3, 2009
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 280 children under age 5 drown in swimming pools each year, while another 2,100 are treated in emergency rooms for submersion accidents. Drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death for children and toddlers under 5.
Whether or not there is a backyard swimming pool at home, it is a parent's responsibility to prevent accident or death by teaching children and toddlers basic water safety.
Allow Kids a Healthy Fear of Water
The most important way to prevent water accidents is to teach kids a proper respect for water. Of course they should be able to have fun at the pool or beach without fear, but they should know that they can't breathe underwater and it can be very dangerous not to follow water safety rules.
Establish Swimming Pool Safety Rules
Toddlers should be taught at an early age never to run by the side of the pool and not to enter the water without an adult. Older children (especially those that can swim independently) should know never to jump on or push other kids in the water.
Don't Depend on Flotation Toys as Lifesavers
Water wings, air mattresses, and inner tubes are fun to play with, but they are not designed to be life saving devices. Using them as such leads to a false sense of security (both for children and parents), and if they pop or deflate then the child will go under water.
Teach Children to Back Float
Children are usually capable of back floating long before they can swim well. If kids get in a situation where they are in danger of drowning, knowing how to back float until help arrives just might save their lives.
Always Watch Kids in the Swimming Pool
Never assume another adult, even a lifeguard, is watching a child. Don't allow distractions to take your primary focus off the kids while they are in the water, and never leave them unattended even for a moment. Even children who know how to swim may panic if they get in trouble and can drown in a matter of minutes. Drowning is usually a silent death and there may not be any audible splashing to signal parents.
Safeguard the Backyard Pool
If there is a swimming pool at home, special precautions must be taken to prevent kids from getting into the water without parents knowing it. A fence should be installed around in ground pools, and ladders should be removed from above ground pools when not in use.
When summer hits most kids can't wait to get to the pool or beach. Let them have all the fun they want in the water, but make sure they understand and follow the rules to enjoy themselves while staying safe.
Readers may also be interested in "Child Drowning Statistics" and "Teaching Pre-Swimming Skills to Toddlers."
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