Stay Safe in Water this Summer
24 July 2018
The nice weather is the perfect excuse to be around water, whether you’re heading to the beach, going to the nearest swimming pool or blowing up your old paddling pool! We can sometimes get so carried away with enjoying the sun and making the most of the water activities that we forget just how dangerous water can be for young children. Below are the top advisories for making sure you enjoy the sun but remain safe.
At the Beach:
Always observe children
It can be easy in busy environments like the beach to trust your child is watched over by a lifeguard or that they won’t wander too far into the sea. Observation is key, especially if your child is using a raft/ flotation device. They can get carried away in currents and lose track of how far from the shore they are in a short space of time.
Don’t swim in water when the warning flags are out
If you’re not sure what the flag meanings are you can find them HERE. It’s crucial to pay attention to these flags as they are there for your safety and prevent you from getting into dangerous situations.
Make sure young children or weak swimmers wear armbands or flotation devices
It’s easy to get pulled under by waves when standing on the shore of the beach, for those who can’t swim or aren’t strong swimmers, this can be deadly. Flotation devices are lifesavers, you should never underestimate the need for them at the beach.
Watch out for waves rip currents
The beach is great fun, but it can also be incredibly dangerous, even for strong swimmers. Rip currents occur anywhere but most commonly near rocks and piers, if you’re ever pulled into one don’t panic and don’t fight it. Swim to the side until you’re out of it and swim diagonally to the shore. If you’re tired and can’t swim, wade, raise your hand and shout for help.
Watch out for ocean life
It’s important to remember that when wandering into the sea we’re entering the home of marine life. Whilst many can be harmless there are some like jellyfish, sea urchins, and coral that can either sting or spike into your feet. Be sure to look out for warning signs and educate your children on these creatures.
At the Pool:
Sun cream
When getting in and out of pools it’s important to keep applying sun cream to children so they stay protected from the sun. Check out our price comparison of the best factor 50 deals HERE.
Slips and Trips
You can’t avoid the wet surfaces around the pools. Make sure children don’t run when playing games, walk slowly when returning to you and if they have shoes on be sure they’re sturdy and have a strong grip.
Don’t eat or drink near the water
Eating food or drinking near the water is fine if the food and drink are swallowed away from the water. It’s when children take a bite of food or have a drink in their mouth and run back to the pool with it still in their mouth they risk choking or being sick from not digesting properly.
Don’t drink the water/ Be wary of ear and eye infections from the water
Pools are communal meaning everyone and anyone gets in and out. Although the pools contain chlorine to get rid of bacteria it doesn’t get rid of all germs. Teach kids the importance of keeping their lips sealed when swimming to avoid upset tummy’s. Earplugs and goggles are also important to avoid sore/infected eyes and blocked ears.
In the garden:
Keep an eye on the depth
Be sure you never overfill a paddling pool and monitor the level after rainfall, even at a low depth you should be sure to keep an eye on children in it at all times as it is possible to drown in any depth of water.
Slippery surfaces
Kids love the freedom of running in and out of the paddling pool, around the garden and through the house, this, however, creates a huge risk of slipping. Make sure children don’t run on patios or hard flooring in the house and that they dry off once they’re out of the paddling pool.
Check the temperature
You’d never put a baby or child into a bath without checking the temperature and the same applies to paddling pools. Running it straight from the outside tap could mean it’s freezing cold or if it has been sitting in the sun all day it could be too hot. Check before your child gets in and throughout the day to ensure it stays regulated.
Sharp Objects
With children getting in and out and the paddling pool being in the garden many things can end up floating or laying on the bottom, leaving children open to the risk of injuries. Be sure to fish out any foreign objects throughout the day and make sure the garden is clear before your child begins playing.
Hygiene
Pools that aren’t cleaned or are left with stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Avoid recycling yesterday’s water and give it a wash if it has been sat in a dirty shed before you use it properly.
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