Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in the United States. Explain swimming safety to children when young, and reinforce its importance regularly. Knowing how to swim and following these tips will help keep you and your children swimming safely.
Swimming Pools
- Do not dive unless it’s deep enough to dive safely—it is recommended not to dive head-first in water less than nine feet deep, and not to dive at all into water less than five feet deep. If depth is not posted, ask a lifeguard.
- Always monitor children, even if lifeguards are present.
- Always review and follow posted water safety rules.
- Avoid swimming alone, and make sure your child uses the buddy system if swimming with friends.
- Never run near a pool—slipping can be dangerous.
- If you are just learning to swim, stay in an area of the pool where you can stand.
- Pool toys are not designed to be safety flotation devices—keep life jackets or life rings close at hand.
Lakes and Ponds
- Wear water shoes to protect your feet from jagged rocks, broken bottles, trash, etc.
- Be cautious and inch out to avoid unexpected drop-offs.
- Be careful of weeds, which can trap your feet. If you do get tangled, slowly pull and shake your arms and legs to get loose.
- Stay away from boats, jet skis, and other motorized water vehicles.
Oceans
- Pay attention to water conditions and wave strength. If it seems unsafe, don’t go in the water.
- Strong currents can carry swimmers away from shore quickly. If you get caught in a current, swim parallel to the shoreline until the water stops pulling you, and then swim straight back to shore. If you cannot safely make it back, tread water and call or signal somebody for assistance.
- Watch out for jellyfish. If you get stung, find a lifeguard immediately to seek treatment, or call 911 if you have a severe reaction.
- Never swim alone or at night.
- Always swim in an area that is easily visible to others.
- Wear water shoes to protect your feet from jagged rocks, broken bottles, trash, etc.
- Do not swim extremely far out.
Our caregivers are available to supervise children at pools and lakes this summer. Contact us at (518) 348-0400 and let us know how we can make your life easier!
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