Teach your kids water safety in the off-season
Fall and winter are the perfect time to teach kids water safety so they’ll be ready to make a splash when next summer rolls around. Cassie Rice, MD, with Adena Pediatrics, says teaching kids to swim is one of the most important safety lessons parents can give.
“As early as you can, stress the importance of swimming,” Dr. Rice says. “The American Academy of Pediatrics a lot of time recommends, if they’re three and four years old and they have classes for those little ones, get them involved in that so that learn that skill as early as they can.”
Dr. Rice also has advice for parents who may be standing by while their little ones are in the pool.
“You never want to get distracted whenever your kids are in a pool. Never leave your kids unattended. My rule of thumb is, if I am not in arm’s reach of the water, then I am not doing my job as a parent or guardian. I need to make sure I’m there at all times. Do I need to be on my phone? Absolutely not! Not when we’re at the pool. Leave that phone in your bag and stay close at all times,” she emphasizes.
Dr. Rice says to always designate a “water watcher” among the adults because it’s far too easy for a child to drown without care givers hearing any cries for help.
“A call for help is not usually what happens. It’s as silent as can be,” she notes.
According to the American Red Cross, very young children can drown in only a few inches of water if they’re unable to lift their heads. Other silent signs of a child in trouble include bobbing up and down while trying to keep their heads above water, floating face down, or simply disappearing under the water altogether.
