Summer is here, schools out, it’s hot and the swimming pool sounds like the perfect place to go to burn off your child’s extra energy and relax for a few hours. Swimming is a great choice of activity, but there are a few things you should know before you go so that swimming can be as safe for your child as it is fun.
Always Have a Designated Adult Watching Children Swim
Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and children may not know what to do in case of an accident. Even if your child has a buddy, you should keep an eye on them.
Have Your Child Buddy Up
Buddying up, especially in open water like oceans or lakes, can be a great safety net for your child in case something happens. A buddy can warn an adult and help in the case of an emergency.
Use Floaties
Floaties may not be comfortable, or your child may want to be like the “big kids”, but it is vital that your child wears them until they are a strong swimmer. Floaties allow your child to build up strength and experience swimming until they are ready to take the leap without them
Get Your Child Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are a great way to ensure that your child will be safe swimming. Lessons are often with other children which will make swimming even more fun!
Learn CPR
Even though it’s unlikely for an accident to happen, it’s always a good idea to be prepared in case you need to step in. Knowing CPR can save your child’s life.
Know The Signs of “Dry Drowning” and “Secondary Drowning”
Dry drowning and secondary drowning are formally known as submersion injuries. These types of incidents occur most often in children aged 1-4 and are the result of water entering the lungs or airways and causing injuries that can result in death. While dry drowning and secondary drowning are rare, it is important to know the signs and symptoms.
Dry drowning occurs when someone breathes in water which causes a spasm that restricts the airways. Dry drowning typically occurs shortly after exiting the water, often within an hour of when water was breathed in.
In contrast, secondary drowning occurs when water accumulates in the lungs and causes inflammation which prevents the lungs from properly doing their job. Secondary drowning occurs much later than dry drowning and can happen many hours or even days after the water was initially breathed in.
A child who needed to be rescued from the water should always be checked for potential lung injuries. However, if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms you should take them to a doctor:
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Changes in energy or mood
- Fever
- Diarrhea