Drowning in swimming pools isn't uncommon, especially for young children. Los Angeles Lawyers at The Dominguez Firm who are experts in swimming pool drowning cases can attest to the seriousness and severity of these occurrences, and of how common these all are, too. If you are a parent reading this, swimming pool drowning can undoubtedly top the list of those freak accidents that you fear might happen to your child. Especially if your household has a swimming pool, the more critical it is for you to be able to have measures that can prevent it.
To spike a higher sense of awareness for you, parents, here's a guide on the best tips for you to follow, to prevent swimming pool drowning:
1. Always Keep Your Children Within Arm's Reach
This first tip applies most especially to those of you parents who have toddlers. As much as possible, keep your children within arm's reach, even if your kids are off only to the shallow end of the pool, or even to a baby or kiddie pool. For example, even if you are in a pool party, where you think that all adults are watching the pool, no, this is false. Even within just 25 seconds, a kid can drown.
For more awareness on the severity of swimming pool drowning, check out this video:
The horrifying thing about little kids drowning is that it isn’t what it is always portrayed in the movies. Not every child who is drowning will even think about shouting, to catch the attention of his or her parents. Others suffer and sink silently.
To prevent these, it is best not just to keep an eye on your children, but for you to keep them within arm's reach. This situation holds true even for those whose children have undergone swimming lessons. It is still best that you are closer to them so that in the event of an emergency, you can grab them quickly.
2. Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
This section may seem a bit too much or far off for you, but no, learning CPR as a parent should be basic. This is true especially if your family is the type who enjoys going on a family holiday where swimming is the primary activity for kids. When you, as a parent, know the basics of CPR, you can feel more secure knowing that, when an emergency strikes, you know you are capable of reviving your child. This also cuts down precious time trying to find a lifeguard or any medical professional that is competent in doing so. Or worse, your lack of knowledge with CPR can be crucial when there’s no one else you can run to.
3. Ignore Your Cellphone
Most accidents occur because parents tend to leave their children doing water activities while babysitting them from a distance. Once their child is in the pool, or on the beach, they feel complacent thinking that, once they are on the shallow side, they are safe.
Hence, they take out their phones and use this time to be by themselves. Please, stay away from this kind of mentality. You should never leave your kids, especially toddlers, unattended when on water. Don’t let your mobile devices distract you and keep you from being vigilant.
In order to make your children safe and happy swimmers, you should spend time learning more about the sport. Instead of frequently checking your phone or playing video games all day long, you can spend time swimming with your children. Swimming is a fun recreational activity for you and your children. Teaching your children how to swim will give them a lifetime of memories that they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives.
4. Teach Your Children How To Swim
If you are looking for a summer activity for your children, enrolling them in swimming lessons is one of the best training you can register them into. Not only is it an enjoyable activity, but is also one that is highly beneficial for their safety. It builds up your children's, and even your confidence that they at least know the basics of swimming, such as floating. However, do remember that even if your kids already know how to swim, you shouldn't take adult supervision for granted. In every water activity, be it in a swimming pool or at the beach, you should always stay alert for any unforeseen incidents.
Check the following tips when teaching your children how to swim:
-
Never Force Your Child: The first thing that you should do when you want to teach children how to swim is to see if they have any interest in it. You should try involving your child in the decision making and the choice of which swimwear to choose. If your child has an affinity towards the water, you can take them along with you.
-
Explain The Basics: Another important factor that you should consider is the kind of strokes that they are going to learn and how they work. Let them choose the stroke that they think is best suited for them. When you want to teach children how to swim, you will have to spend a lot of time explaining all these things so that they understand the basics.
-
Teach Swimming Readiness: Make sure to educate your children not only about basic swimming techniques but also the swimming gear that they need, such as earplugs for swimming, to stay safe and comfortable underwater.
5. Don't Be Over-Reliant On Flotation Devices
One common mistake made by parents when they are out on swimming activities is that they tend to be over-reliant on flotation devices and swimming pool accessories. Doing this is a big mistake because flotation devices aren't meant to work as life preservers. Although these keep your children afloat when on water, these don’t guarantee your children’s complete safety.
Staying within arm’s reach while your child is doing any kind of water activity should be a habit to avoid an emergency. Also, you should teach your kids the importance of wearing life jackets. Life vests and swim shirts are essential items that you should not skip to include in the essentials that you need to teach your kids how to swim. These items should be bought for your kids from a local pool store.
6. Avoid Alcohol When In Swimming Parties
If you are attending a swimming party with other parents, mainly as an adult get-together without the children, then it is okay for you to have a little alcohol here and there. As much as possible, avoid drinking when tasked to handle or look over kids. Minor drinking can still affect your focus and alertness. To be safe, remain sober and keep a close eye on your little ones.
7. Fence It Up
This section applies to those parents who have swimming pools or water features in your homes. To give you peace of mind, it is best for you to fence your swimming pool up. You never know when you lose sight of your children for a second, such as when you are doing household chores, and suddenly they have gone off to the pool. Children can easily zoom past open doors, or even open the door themselves, or go through the dog's door.
Having a fence around your pool isn't going to be the most aesthetically pleasing thing for you to do. But, if you have young children, their safety should always be your top concern.
Conclusion
As fun as water may be for you and your children to play with, it is also imperative for you, as parents or guardians to note that water can be dangerous, and in worse cases, fatal.
Real danger can occur in just a split second. The tips we’ve shared above should come in handy on your next trip to the beach or to a nearby swimming pool with the family.
