5 mistakes parents make that can cause their children to drown
Using armbands and always using swimming goggles is not entirely good for children.
Sue Mackie, executive director of the United States Swim School Association (USSSA), points out common mistakes parents make when taking their children swimming, and also gives principles to help children avoid risks.
1. Indifference to children getting into the water
If you think getting into the pool is as simple as jumping in and swimming, you are wrong. Create a routine that your child goes through before getting into the pool, such as putting on a swim diaper, changing into a swimsuit, and applying sunscreen. This routine should be done every time you go swimming so that it becomes a habit for your child.
"This habit will teach your child that the pool is not a place to just jump in at any time. It also helps reduce the chance of your child being tempted to go swimming without you knowing," Mackie says.
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2. Let your child decide when to get in the pool.
Parents should tell their children that they need to ask for permission before entering the pool. If this is done regularly, it will make children think before entering the water and they will learn that entering the pool requires adult permission.
3. Trust in using devices such as ring buoys or arm buoys
Life jackets are designed to protect children from drowning and should always be worn when near open water such as lakes or oceans. Flotation devices such as rings or armbands can slip and fall off. While these devices may make you feel safe, they are not.
Instead, teach your child to navigate around the pool, practice swimming to it, and then use their hands to hold along the pool wall or find a step where they can safely exit the pool.
4. Always have children wear goggles in the pool.
Goggles are an accessory to help when swimming, but if misused, children will encounter some unfortunate situations. Instead, teach children to open their eyes underwater so that if they fall into the water, they can open their eyes, find the pool wall or steps to leave the pool safely.
5. Panic when the child goes into the water
Panicking when your child puts their face in the pool will only make them more afraid. To ease this feeling, you can practice putting their face in the water in the bathtub or blowing bubbles to help them become comfortable with water.
Of course, you should always supervise your children when they are in the water. In particular, you should send your children to swimming courses to reduce the risk of drowning.
