Summertime is here, and for us lucky ones, that means time at the beach whether that’s a lake, an ocean, or even a big pool. If you have younger kids, teaching them about water safety can be tricky.
I’ve put together a list of ten tips for teaching your kids about water safety. Keep these in mind if you are planning on some time at the beach this summer or maybe even just a poolside party.
Tips for Teaching Water Safety
Here’s my ten tips for teaching your kids about water safety.
Learn About Water Safety Yourself
If you’re going to be teaching your kids about water safety, it’s important that you brush up on the subject yourself! You don’t need to take a lifeguard class to learn CPR — but that isn’t actually a bad idea. While it takes time and money, it can be helpful if someone around you has been drowning and can’t breathe properly on their own.
Beyond medical knowledge, it’s important to know the minor things that could lead to trouble around water. For natural locations, this can mean knowing what kind of wildlife are in the area (like sharks or jellyfish) and what kinds of plants are there. Heed those warnings and listen to your own instinct.
Make Learning About Water Safety Fun
If you know kids at all, you know they like to have fun more than anything. Because of this, make the tasks associated with water safety fun! Some of the most important things kids need to know about water safety can be passed on to them through songs and games.
Make a List of Specific Rules
This list is important because it can help you avoid confusion when you’re at the beach or at a pool party. If you’re trying to keep an eye on everyone, it can be easy to miss those kids who are moving out of your line of sight. Having a list of specific rules can help you avoid this kind of confusion and make it much easier for you to focus on the kids around you.
Don’t Wear Shoes in the Pool
While this is a common rule for many pools, it’s just as important if you’re at the beach. If kids aren’t wearing shoes in the water, they won’t have any way to protect themselves from sea objects like stingrays or sharp shells. Besides that, shoes can also make it much harder to catch anyone who falls in.
Don’t Swim Alone
Swimming alone is not only a good way to get hurt, but it’s also a great way to drown. If you’re in a place where there aren’t any lifeguards, it’s a great idea to swim with a friend. If you’re at a pool party, assigning someone to look out for the kids at all times can help you avoid drowning and other water accidents.
Have the Proper Gear
Whether it’s life-jackets or a special ring to help your kids stay afloat, having the proper gear can help you avoid water accidents. It’s important to have a plan in place if your kids fall into the water, even if you think they’ll be fine. If you’re at a beach, there are usually plenty of places where you can rent this kind of equipment. If you’re at a pool, you can usually buy most of it at pharmacies or pool supply shops.
Don’t Use Your Cell Phone
Cell phones are another major source of water accidents. Don’t use your cell phone while you’re in or around water. Even if you’re not using it to talk, it can still easily fall out of your pocket and into the water if you aren’t careful. If you’re swimming with others, even consider putting the phone in a waterproof bag to keep it dry.
Pay Attention To the Kids Around You
A lot of these tips will help you avoid drowning, but drowning is only one kind of water accident. Another major issue is kids who aren’t old enough to swim yet. It’s important to pay attention to the kids around you, and to make sure that you know what their swimming abilities are. If you keep them away from the deep end or teach them how to swim, you’ll be able to avoid a lot of trouble.
Make Sure You’re Familiar With the Water
Another thing to do before going into the water is to make sure you’re familiar with the water. If you know that there are currents around, put on a life-jacket or stick close to a lifeguard. If you know what kind of sea creatures are in the area, pay attention. If there are plants in the water you don’t recognize, it’s a good idea to stay away. If you know what kind of water you’re swimming in, you’ll be less likely to fall in.
Be Patient
Teaching your kids about water safety can be a long-term process. It can be frustrating to have to constantly reiterate the same things, but it’s best to be patient. Children grow up way too fast, and the time it takes to teach them about water safety is worth it. If you follow these tips, you can give your children a safe and fun summer!
Having Fun in the Water This Summer
I hope you enjoyed this quick article about water safety. If you have any other tips, please join our Facebook group and introduce yourself! Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful summer!
