The long weeks of Spring rain have left the area and we’re back to normal sunny days in North Texas. As we head back to the pool, days on Lake Lewisville or beach vacations, it’s a good time to refresh your ideas of water safety for your family. This will start our three-part Summer series on water safety, where we will cover safety for the pool, open water and bathtime. These are some of the best tips for pool safety and children:
Lifeguards and Water-Watchers
A common misconception is that more adults means children are safer, when the opposite is true. The more adults present, the more likely everyone is to assume someone else is watching the water.
The best option is to have a lifeguard on-duty, but if there isn’t one available, designate a water-watcher who is an adult who can swim themself. Whether it’s an inflatable kids pool in the backyard or the neighborhood swimming pool, there should always be an adult watching the water and children while they play. Drowning is often silent and can happen in an instant, so assign an adult for 15 minutes who won’t take their eyes off the pool, then switch adults so everyone has time to relax. Set an alarm or grab a wrist band to hand off and take turns watching the water.
Floaties and Swimming Lessons
Water wings, puddle jumpers and pool floats are not a substitute for swimming lessons and teaching water safety. Our little ones don’t have the impulse control to avoid jumping in one last time when they don’t want to leave the pool, even if you have taken their puddle jumper off and are packing your bags. 1-4 year olds are the most at risk for drowning, so stay within arm’s reach and as soon as it’s age appropriate (usually around age 4), enroll your child in swimming lessons. Even after they are a solid swimmer, still keep watching them closely in the water. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends approved personal flotation devices (not floaties or water wings) for everyone on open bodies of water, regardless of swim skills. Remember, anything that floats and is filled with air is a toy, not a life-saving device.
Safest Swimsuit Colors
Some colors of swimsuits are easier to spot in the water, especially if a child is in danger at the bottom of the pool. If the water is moving or agitated, they can be even harder to see, especially in colors like white, black, blue or gray. When shopping for swimsuits for kids, take it back to the 80’s and try to find bright colors like neon orange, lime green or hot pink.
When you hit the pool this Summer, talk to your kids about pool safety and remember the rules for swimming. Texas leads the country in child pool drownings and that’s not a title we want to keep. Lifeguard your little ones and stay vigilant. We’ll be back next week with safety tips for lakes, oceans and open bodies of water. For homeowner pool safety, follow this link to get ideas from the experts at Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth.