Swimming Safety Tips

It has been hot in Kansas City. To beat the heat, many families have headed to the local public pool or their own backyard oasis. Swimming can be a great way to stay cool, enjoy the weather, have some family time, and get some exercise. However, a fun family day can turn deadly if parents and children do not adhere to certain swimming safety regulations. Carelessness of pool staff or becoming lax on maintenance obligations can also cause serious health concerns. Certain situations may even lead to a potential personal injury or premises liability lawsuit.

Drowning can only take seconds and parents should share good safety habits with their children to avoid disaster in the swimming pool. You can use these safety tips to get started.

Maintain Constant Supervision

A child can drown in as little as 20 seconds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that roughly 800 children drown every year. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and three, and the second-leading cause for children under 15.

Supervision is critical when children are in the water. You should be physically present yourself, or a lifeguard should be nearby to help as necessary. Being vigilant is extremely important because drowning incidents can be quiet and quick, and may not include the thrashing and yelling that many people associate with a drowning incident.

According to Safe Kids, nine out of 10 children were being watched by an adult when they drowned. Even small distractions like grabbing a snack or checking social media can be disastrous.

Use Proper Safety Devices

While air-filled tubes and arm floaties are helpful to teach children to swim, they are not safety devices that can be relied upon to prevent drowning. If your child is going to be around open bodies of water or rivers, he or she should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests. The same can be said when the child is on a boat or raft as well. It is also a good idea for adults to set the example and wear these devices too.

Be Prepared for an Emergency

Have your cell phone close by when you are at the pool. You should also learn CPR and make sure that your child’s other caregivers know it as well. If your child suffers from a drowning incident, knowing how to perform CPR properly and safety could save his or her life.

Have a first aid kit for more minor injuries as well. Slips and falls around pool areas are very common.

Teaching your child how to swim is also a good idea. Even infants can be taught to turn themselves on their backs if they fall into the water. Nonetheless, the AAP reports that most children are not developmentally ready for swimming lessons until about the age of four. Many drowning incidents occur before this age. Keep in mind that swimming lessons are never a replacement for adult supervision.

Some pool injuries or drowning accidents can lead to legal liability. Learn more by contacting our team today.