Summer is finally here, and it's the perfect time for kids to enjoy outdoor activities. Houston Swim Club wants you and your little swimmers to be safe this year. Here are a few essential summer safety tips.
Taking swimming lessons can save a life! Drowning ranks as the 2nd highest cause of death for children ages 1-14, and Texas leads the nation in pool/spa drownings. Participation in formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%!
Every child needs to know how to swim, and not just for safety. Children as young as 4 months of age in swim lessons reach milestones earlier than their peers. They exceed in engaging in cooperative play, speaking clearly, understanding counting, following instructions, trying new experiences, and much more.
Swim where there are lifeguards on duty. Know where the lifeguards are if you need to signal one for help. However, lifeguards are only one layer of protection. Always keep an eye on your kids in the water.
If there is no lifeguard assign an adult to be a “water watcher”. A water watcher is someone who is designated as a person who watches the pool without distraction. You and other adults can share water watcher duties so that there is always someone alert monitoring your swimmers.
Always have a phone available that can be used for emergencies. If this is a cellphone, it should be fully charged and used only for emergencies, not for surfing the web or texting.
Public pools should also have emergency phones accessible from the pool area. Look for such phones when you arrive at the local pool so that you know where they are located.
Always wear a life jacket when boating or participating in other water sport activities, even if you can swim. Strong swimmers can still be caught off guard. At water parks, be sure to also wear a life jacket if you cannot swim. Little ones should always wear a life jacket at a water park, even if they are doing more splashing than swimming.
Avoid arm floaties. Arm floaties are not safety devices. A proper life jacket should fit snug around the body, be properly sized, and be secured with latching straps. Do not allow your child’s chin or ears to slip through. All states have regulations regarding life jacket wear by children and all water parks and boats should have life jackets available. If you can't find one, ask for one.
Never swim by yourself! Children (and adults!) should always swim with a friend, and there should always be an adult nearby. Teach children important lessons about water games. Playing in the water can be fun, but children need to choose games that are safe (see Shallow Water Blackout). Tell children never to go swimming without a friend and to always let an adult know where they are.
Sunscreen is very important, especially in Houston. One in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Sunscreen use prevents skin cancer by protecting you from harmful UV rays. Be sure to choose a quality brand of sunscreen. Look for broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB rays). It should be rated SPF 30 or higher and water resistant.
Spray sunscreen, while convenient, is not as effective as lotion sunscreen. If you do choose a spray, be sure to apply it more often.
In addition to applying sunscreen, also try to wear protective clothing and seek shade as often as possible. On the beach, remember that even sand can reflect sun rays.
Avoid exposing any children under 6 months to the sun. Sunscreen not recommended on children under 6mo.
Have a safe and fun summer!
What is Shallow Water Blackout?
For more information and to learn how you can help spread the message of water safety, visit www.stopdrowningnow.org.
Sharpstown recently renovated their bathrooms, adding a public rinse area, changing rooms, water stations, and additional stalls.
Houston Swim Club delivers important water safety tips to a local classroom.
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