How to Make Sure Child Is Safe When Diving? Pool Safety Precautions For Children

One of the best forms of exercise for your child is swimming. And what's more, if you have easy access to a pool, it is a great way to bond as a family as well. However, you need to be quite careful with your child around as it doesn't take a minute for a mishap to happen. The small inflatable pool available in the market is as dangerous as the cemented pools if you are not watching your child closely. While you need to be a constant watchdog for your child there are a few things that you can do to make the entire experience safe, fun and memorable for your child.

How To Keep My Child Safe in Pool?

When you take your child swimming, follow these tips to have a safe and enjoyable experience-

1. You need to be aware of your child's whereabouts. Be there for your child and follow his or her moves with your eyes. A touch or a word of two of appreciation would be good, as this way you can avoid a mishap from happening
2. Don't be overly dependent on swimming accessories like floating rings, wings or even rafts, they are to assist your child from drowning but not a substitute to your watchful eyes
3. If you are taking your child to a commercial swimming pool ensure that there are standard safety checks available at the pool area. And follow the pool rules diligently and ensure that your child does the same
4. Make your child wear appropriate attire. While learning to swim, a floatation device is necessary. Use waterproof sunscreen to avoid skin burns and other skin conditions
5. Remove any dangerous objects from the pool area to avoid any accidents
6. Drain covers are mandatory to prevent a child from getting trapped in a drain

What Are Some Pool Rules I Can Set?

Before you take your child swimming, make sure that as a family, you have your set of pool rules. Tell your child that these rules are non-negotiable, and need to be followed always.

1. Permission is necessary: Even if you are taking your child for swimming lessons in a pool where there are trainers, ensure that your child asks for your permission so that you can inform the coach that your child is in the water
2. Pool etiquettes: Ensure that your child knows the pool etiquettes and the manners being not to run around the pull and not to push other children
3. Say no to diving: For the time being, just let your child know that diving is not for young children and nor is it safe for young children to dive as there is a risk of accidents. Even with older children should also make use of diving boards or dive from the permissible area and that too when they are competent swimmers
4. Importance of rules: Young children watch and learn from older siblings. With a young child, you can set rules and remind him when he forgets. With school-age children, you can explain the reason behind setting a rule – for e.g., don't run because you can slip and fall
5. Clear the toys immediately: Clear the pool area of toys and other items that might obstruct the walking path. Even if your child doesn't run, it's easy to trip on a toy and fall into the pool

How To Make Sure My Child Is Safe When Diving?

Diving is an integral part of the swimming experience. If you follow some basic safety rules, you don't need to deprive your child of it. Make sure you check the depth of the water by going in with your feet first. Don't dive in the shallow parts of the pool, and never attempt it without taking proper lessons. Lack of regard for safety while driving can result in serious spinal and brain injuries. [Explore: Swimming Precautions for your Toddlers]

What Type Of Swimwear Should My Child Wear?

Wearing appropriate swimming clothes is as important as anything else for safety. Safety gear such as floatation suits can help young babies while they learn to swim. Swim vests serve the same purpose for young children. Make sure there is sufficient sun protection (UPF) offered by the clothing. Ill-fitting swim clothes can get stuck in drains that are left uncovered. Make sure that the swimwear fits well.

Play Pools For Younger Children

If you have a very young child, and you use a play pool, you need to follow the same safety rules. It's just as possible for an infant to drown in a few inches of water. Remove any toys when your child has finished playing. Turn over the wading pool so that rainwater cannot collect in it when you're not using it.

Backyard pools remain a hazard even after the swim season has passed. For example, a child may attempt to walk on top of pool covers and may get trapped underneath. Knowing the risks can help you keep pools safe year round. [Explore: Safety Rules When You Take Your Child for Swimming]

With the right level of supervision and caution, pools offer a chance for a child to play outside and get some exercise. The downside is, the more fun your child has, the more alert and watchful you'll need to be. It's a lot of work, but you may be rewarded a tired, yet happy child.

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