Summer Swimming Safety

One of the most popular activities during the summer is swimming. One of the best things that you can do is register your child for swim lessons that are age appropriate. Most local pools offer swim lessons throughout the summer. To find an appropriate swim class for your child try contacting your local Parks and Rec Department. Here is a few other summer swimming safety tips:

• Only swim in areas that have lifeguard supervision.
• Always have someone to swim with. Do not yet your child swim alone, even in a public pool.
• Never leave a child unattended near water. Make sure your children learn to ask permission before going near the water.
• If you have a young child who is not an experienced swimmer, purchase a life jacket that is approved by the United States Coast Guard. This does not mean that the child can be left unattended.
• Set specific guidelines for your family. Examples include limits based on ability and not playing near suction fittings or drains. Do not allow children to play breath holding contests.
• Bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and the ocean have underwater hazards that can be dangerous.
• Always where a lifejacket when on a boat. Most boating accidents resulting in death are from drowning.
• Don’t use alcohol. Alcohol impairs your judgment, affects your coordination and balance, and affects your diving and swimming skills.

If you have a hot tub or pool, it is important to make sure that there are safety covers in place as well as barriers. A pool alarm can be used as an additional layer of protection. The barriers need to surround the entire area of the pool and be at least four feet high.

If you have pool that is above the ground, make sure to remove the access ladders and safely secure the cover when the pool is not being used. All structures that could be used to gain admission to the pool such as furniture, playground equipment, or exterior walls, should be removed from the area as well.

Swimming can be a fun thing to do on these hot days, just make sure you are always paying attention to your kids when anywhere near the water and everything will be fine.