Water safety

Every year around this time, sadly, we hear of drownings in the news. We all know how to keep our kids safe around water but it never hurts to have a little refresher. As our kids start to get a bit older we may forget that the danger of water is not always on the forefront of their brains. We need a reminder, as do they.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind this summer around pools and beaches.
Pools
1. If you have a pool, keep the gate locked when it’s not in use, closed when it is in use and younger children are not in the pool. Have a key hidden and out of reach for younger children.
2. Always have supervision when children are in the pool or around the pool, when applicable and have kids wearing floatation devices around the pool.
3. Have floatation devices at the ready for children who are learning to swim or who don’t know how to swim. If you aren’t sure of a child’s ability to swim, don’t go on their word, have the floating device ready and test them first to make sure that they can in fact swim on their own. It only takes one second for a child to get in trouble.

Beaches
I love going to beaches with my little guys. They are still young enough to mostly stick to the sand and just dip their toes in the water. For me, this is perfect as I’m not to the point where I have to worry about how far out they wander from the shore. If this isn’t your reality, here are a few tips:
1. Know the beach. Is it a far drop off? Can the kids walk out far before the water starts to get deeper? Make sure you know this before you let them go exploring.
2. Are there lots of boats? If so there may be waves. Be conscious that the waves will make the water higher for the kids and harder to swim in. Have floatation devices ready for them in these instances.
3. It is so hard to always have your eyes on the kids, which of course is the intention. With younger siblings around, you may have to make rules about wearing life jackets at the beach or floatation devices so that they are safe. You know your child best, if you fear that your child will not follow your rules and limits you set, water is not the place to let them push the boundaries.
Little kids
There are other fun ways to enjoy water with a little less stress for the younger kids. Water play is never stress free, always be watching when kids are playing in even a little bit of water as they can drown in next to nothing.
1. Splash pads – wait, all ages loves this. We are so lucky to have one here in town.
2. Water tables – with little ones, you need only a tiny bit of water for them to splash in. Throw in some measuring cups/spoons, bowls and watering cans and they can play for hours!
3. Water balloons – fill up some balloons with water and let them throw them through hoola hoops, down slides, at each other and they’ll have a blast.
4. Sprinklers – these still work like a charm. Set it up, turn it on and let them run through it.
Whatever way you and your family choose to cool off, make sure you’re paying attention at all times. You do not want a trip to the beach, or pool, to end in tragedy. Have fun, make memories and stay safe!