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Child water safety
Did you know a child can drown in less than 5cm of water? It’s a sobering thought. So it is important all parents and guardians are keenly aware of the dangers. Here is a brief guide:
- If you have a swimming pool in your garden, ensure it is surrounded by a fence with a locked gate. If you have a pond, then it should be covered with a rigid grill or mesh. If your neighbours have a pond or pool ensure your child can’t gain access to them.
- When using a paddling pool ensure your child is supervised at all times and empty the pool after every use.
- Never leave your child alone in or around a swimming pool. Be your child’s lifeguard.
- Teach your child water safety habits such as no running or pushing at the poolside.
- Enrol your child on swimming and water safety courses. Click here for more information.
- Consider enrolling yourself on a basic first-aid course to ensure you know what to do should there be an emergency.
- Ensure your child understands the dangers of swimming in open water, such as depths being deceptive and cold water tiring you out quicker. Click here for the Under-16s guide to swimming in open water.
- On boating trips, or by the beach, ensure your child is wearing an appropriately-sized buoyancy aid or life jacket. Never let him or her out of your sight.
- We know it is difficult, but try and discourage the use of large inflatable toys in the sea. Your child could quickly and easily be blown out to sea.
- Finally, make your children aware of their swimming ability so they don’t swim out of their depth.
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