Summer is approaching, and what’s better than chilling in the pool. Everybody likes to be in there. Some like to swim, and others just want to bask on their pool floats.
And then come these little buddies that love to splash. If you are recent parents, you sure want your kid to accompany you in the water.
That way, they will enjoy the water too, and what’s better than seeing a smile on your kid’s face. But in all that fun and excitement don’t forget about kids safety.
Even though water is calm and fun, it’s dangerous. It doesn’t matter if it’s your residential pool or lake; it is dangerous, especially for kids.
Each year, thousands of kids die from drowning, and 74% of them drown in their residential pool, which means even your own pool isn’t secure.
When you take your boi to the pool, you must be holding them, but even a minute of carelessness can lead to misfortune.
For instance, you may make them sit outside the pool while you bring something from inside. That much time is enough for drowning.
According to a recent study, a kid can drown in as little as 20 seconds, just the time needed to check your Instagram feed.
So, even a minute of carelessness can be fatal. Now, most people think that kids only drown because of no/less supervision, which isn’t wholly true.
Of course, supervision is a big reason, but leaving your swimming pool open is another one.
Now, you can’t stop them from enjoying the water, but you certainly can control when they enjoy. If you make your pool kid-proof, the risk of drowning will decrease drastically.
But how to do so? Well, I will talk about a few things that will make the pool safe for kids. So, let’s begin.
Wear A Life Jacket
You thought life jackets are only for boating and stuff? Guess what, you are wrong. Life jacket provides buoyancy to keep the baby afloat in the water.
Doesn’t matter if its pool water or lake. And according to recent research, it can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.
Therefore, wear your toddler a life jacket. Apart from keeping them afloat, it will also help them become comfortable in the water.
But which one to get?
Only get a USCG approved life jacket as it can be later used for other water sports as well. Plus USCG is tested by coast guards for safety, so you can trust them a bit.
Now, there are a lot of baby life jackets in the market, so do proper research before getting one.
And remember, even after getting a vest, don’t forget about supervision, it’s still crucial.
Install Fencing in the Pool
Toddler loves crawling and may crawl to the pool without you even noticing. They may try to splash, but a little slip or misbalance can lead them in danger.
That’s why it’s crucial to have a barrier that can stop unwanted entry, and what’s better than installing four-sided fencing.
Apart from kids, it will also prevent your pet or other people from slipping in there. Plus, the cost isn’t that high, so having it is a smart idea.
Teach Swimming
You can start swimming lessons as your kid turns six months old. By teaching them this life-saving skill, they won’t be in danger ever again.
Even without your strict surveillance, they can be safe. But you have to be very careful while teaching them swimming.
Since they will be spending a lot of time in water, close supervision is required at all times. Plus, I would recommend wearing them a children vest.
Now, don’t be confused. A children vest is different than a children life jacket.
While a life jacket always keeps the head above water, a vest is a bit lenient when it comes to keeping the head afloat.
Basically, a life vest is designed to teach kids the art of swimming and to do that; it forces the kids on their stomach.
So, they will remain in a flying superman position when wearing a vest, which is exactly the swimming position.
If you don’t have the time or aren’t confident enough then enroll your kid in a swimming class. There, professional swimmers will teach them what they should.
Deflate it
If you are using inflatable/portable pools, then deflate it as the fun ride is over. Keeping them inflated means getting the kids excited to go in there.
And what can happen, well, we all know that. So, it’s good to deflate that after use. You don’t have to do that in big pools as fencing will do the work.
Clear the Pool
Another reason why kids may want to enter the water is toys. We all love enjoying with pool floats and balls and other toys but become too lazy to pick them up after use.
You want to have fun with them every day, so keeping them there seems a good idea, but that can be a dangerous invitation for kids.
Just like swimming pools, kids may want to splash in there but may get in some trouble, so clear the pool.
Close Supervision
It’s a crucial thing that you must do, even after wearing a life jacket, and clearing the pool; I would still recommend close supervision.
Don’t leave your kid alone even for a second, only then, will your boy be safe. Don’t rely on life jackets, pool floats, or anything.
Remember, a few seconds is enough to drown a person!
I didn’t notice the difference between a life jacket and a life vest before reading your article. We seldom go swimming but my kids sometimes get invited by friends. So it is important for them to learn swimming skills.
Its just so scary to know that a child can drown in merely 20 seconds, sometimes we take things too easy although these safety measures are so imperative to secure lives.Very helpful tips