Summer is here! Time to bust out that swimsuit and put on those flip flops. The pool is calling. Hamptons Swim believes water is the key element to a GREAT summer! As fun as water activities are, water can be dangerous. Did you know that children ages 5 and under have the highest drowning rates worldwide? In the US alone, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental injury or death in children ages 1-14. Backyard swimming pools are the most common site for children drowning between 1 and 4 years. We want to help you instill a healthy respect for water into your children.
The best way to do that is through implementing safety precautions with these 5 important safety tips to keep your child safe this summer:
1) SECURE YOUR POOL
Owning a pool not only offers convenience and joy to you and your family, it is also a major responsibility. It is essential for everyone’s safety to make sure your pool is not accidentally accessible to children, adults, and pets. A barrier is needed to ensure the safety of everyone. Your fence should have high locks leading to the pool (so children can’t reach to unlock it). If the locks on your rental home are not high or are easy to open, add additional locks. If you are unable to completely enclose the pool, proper precautions need to be made to lock and install alarms on all doors leading to the pool.
2) SAY NO TO WATER WINGS
While personal flotation devices (such as inflatable water wings and life jackets) do offer protection to a person who cannot swim, they can also promote a false sense of security in the water. These devices are NOT a substitute for swim lessons. While on boats or for an added layer of protection, make sure your child’s life jacket is US Coast Guard approved and is not inflatable. ANY floatation device that requires inflation can be dangerous. These inflatable devices can easily deflate or pop while being worn and cause sudden drowning. If you decide to purchase a lifesaving device for your child we recommend these Puddle Jumper jackets.
3) DRESS IN BRIGHT COLORS
What your child wears while swimming does actually matter! A swimmer dressed in bright colors, such as oranges, yellows, and pinks, will be easier to spot in an emergency. Colors such as dark green and blue can make it harder to spot your child in the water.
4) STAY EDUCATED AND HAVE A PLAN
Accidents and emergencies can happen in an instant. It’s so important to be prepared and ready. We encourage all parents and childcare providers to go the extra mile and take a First Aid and CPR class, as well as keep these certifications current. Does your nanny/babysitter have emergency contact information saved in their phone? Do you know where the closest hospital or urgent care is located? Cell service can’t always be relied upon, so make sure you always have easy access to WiFi, particularly by the pool.
5) GET SWIM LESSONS FOR YOUR CHILD
Swim lessons don’t drown-proof your child, but they can save lives. The earlier a child gets lessons, the earlier they will learn. Contact us now to book lessons today!
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