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As the weather gets warmer and kids start heading to water parks and pools, it’s important to remember some water safety basics. It’s easy for kids to get caught up in their excitement, dive into the water, and forget all the safety tips they’ve learned. So before you pack up the kiddos and head to the pool, take a moment to explain these pointers to them.
Before anyone hops in the water, make sure all the kids have ample sunscreen on. Without proper sunscreen, it’s easy for children to get painful sunburns. These are more than just unpleasant: they can increase the chances of developing skin cancer later in life.
Likewise, make sure all the youngsters are well-hydrated before they hop in the water. Swimming is draining and can result in muscle cramps if you’re not properly hydrated. Make sure to bring plenty of water to keep everyone ready for exercise. Encourage the kids to take a breather every hour or so to reapply sunscreen and drink more water!
Kids should never swim without adult supervision. It’s okay for youngsters to take a dip in the pool if a lifeguard is watching over them, or if an adult who can swim is nearby. Otherwise, kids should stay clear of the water. If someone gets a cramp or gets stuck underwater and there are no adults around to help, things could go from “fun” to “dire” in a matter of moments.
If there are no lifeguards on duty at a busy public pool, kids should avoid getting in. Wait for someone to get on the lifeguard tower to keep an eye on everyone before you let your youngsters dive into the water.
It’s easy for kids to get excited while they’re playing in the water. Warm summer sun, playing with friends, and splashing in the pool can get anyone fired up. But it’s important to remember that no one should run around the outside of the pool.
It’s hard to tell when the stone or tile around the pool is too slick to step on. If a child runs by the pool and slips in a puddle of water, they could hit their head on the concrete and give themselves a concussion.
What’s more, in an extreme scenario, a child could knock themselves unconscious and then slip into the pool. This could be life-threatening if a lifeguard is unable to pull them out of the water in time!
