Swimming Safety Tips to Remember This Summer

SWIMMING SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER SUPERVISE Never leave children unattended in a swimming area Be an active supervisor, especially in open bodies of water Put down reading material and your smartphone so that kids have your undivided attention GO SLOW 3 FT Take your time introducing babies and children to water Enroll your children in swimming lessons when you think they are ready Encourage your kids to stay in the shallow area or close to shore EDUCATE Make sure your kids know how to tread water and float Teach them that open water is different than a swimming pool, as currents can be dangerous Pool toys like noodles or wings are fun, but no replacement for supervision or a Coast Guard-approved flotation device LEARN CPR Learning CPR will help put your mind at ease in case of an emergency Check with your local fire department or community center to sign up for a class Have your kids take CPR classes when they are old enough PLAY SAFE A backyard pool should be fenced in with a self-latching gate Consider installing a pool alarm to alert you if someone wanders into the pool unattended Encourage your kids to walk and not run in the pool area, even during playtime WATCH THE WEATHER Never swim during a thunderstorm, even if it seems far away Everyone should exit the pool calmly at the first clap of thunder Since water conducts electricity, a lightning strike in the pool can be very dangerous PROVIDED BY: www.PEDIATRICSAFTERHOURSNEWS.COM Sources: www.livestrong.com/article/238574-10-safety-rules-when-swimming/ www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/water-safety/swim-safety www.safekids.org/tip/swimming-safety-tips * AFTER OURS ** **