Think beyond the pool when it comes to keeping children safer around water.
We all want to keep our children safe, but when water is involved, there is no such thing as being 100 percent “water safe.” We can strive to teach them to be safer around the water, and that’s why starting swim lessons at an early age is a great way to help them learn. But “water safety” is more than just “pool safety.” The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) compiled this list of additional home-related hazards. Here are eight dangers that you should be aware of that may not have been considered.
Common household drowning hazards
Bathtubs: Pools and open water aren’t the only places representing a danger. SafeHome reports that bathtub drownings have increased by 70 percent over the past ten years. Always make sure to have proper adult supervision for your young children in the bath.
Buckets: If you’ve ever looked on the side of a five-gallon bucket of paint or some other liquid substance at the home improvement store, you’ve seen the universal warning sign showing a small child falling into it. The CPSC says it’s because of the tall, straight sides on buckets of this size. It is very difficult for top heavy babies and toddlers to right themselves once they have fallen headfirst into a bucket. Make sure to empty all buckets and large containers where water may collect.
Spas or hot tubs: Make sure to have barriers that keep a child of gaining access. Also, if you use a cover, pay special attention that it is a secure cover that someone cannot slip under.
Toilets: Toilets can be a similar hazard as buckets. If you have toddlers at home, toilet lid locks can be purchased to make sure a toddler could not fall into a toilet.
Open water hazards
Limited visibility: Murky water hides hazards swimmers can’t see. Teach your child to safely enter any body of water when you attend properly supervised open water environments.
Drop-offs: Kids can quickly learn to look for the pool markings that tell them how deep the water is. Open water seldom has this safety feature. Even the beach presents a hazard as ocean currents can create unexpected drop-offs. Identify any drop offs and make your children aware.
Tides and currents: How do you explain a rip tide to a five-year-old? Water movement is a difficult concept for a young mind to grasp. Tides and currents are unpredictable and change at different depths. Always swim near a lifeguard and make sure to follow the flag warnings.
Weather changes: A beautiful day on the water can take a turn if lightning strikes on or near the water. Make sure that shelter is near if a storm approaches.
Teaching children to swim at an early age decreases the chances of drowning, but your job as a parent is far from finished. Water – even a small amount – can be a danger. Constant adult supervision prevents accidents around water – but the water isn’t just at the pool or the beach. Make your home safer, too.
The mission of Ocaquatics Swim School is to teach families to love swimming and to become safer, more comfortable, and more responsible in the water. If you’re interested in learning more about our year-round swim lessons, feel free to reach out to our team today by phone at 305-969-SWIM (7946), or by visiting our contact page.