Tips for safe pool swimming with young children
With summer temperatures reaching 38-40 degrees Celsius, children, including toddlers, have a strong desire to swim and play in pools. However, statistics show that drowning accidents among children increase during the summer, and toddlers, being so young, are at even greater risk in swimming pools if adults are not vigilant.
Tips for having fun and swimming safely in the pool.
When in a swimming pool, parents, caregivers, or pool attendants must always be vigilant. Here are some tips to prevent drowning:
Being in the pool with toddlers:Never leave toddlers or other children alone in a swimming pool, even in a children's pool. Drowning can happen in a pool even when the water depth is only 5cm...
Keep your eyes on children at a safe distance:Children can drown even in shallow water; drowning can happen in less than two minutes for a child. Actively supervise toddlers at close range so you can act quickly if an accident occurs. Do not use your phone while supervising children.
There are safety fences for family swimming pools:It is essential to ensure that children cannot enter the pool without adult supervision. It is recommended that a four-sided fence be installed to separate the pool from the house and the rest of the yard.
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| Parents or caregivers must always be with children in the pool to ensure their safety, even in pools designed for young children. |
Put a life vest on your child:Many parents give their toddlers floating toys and other items to use in the pool, but these devices do not prevent drowning. For increased safety, children should wear life vests. However, close supervision is still necessary when children are in the water.
Don't ignore the pool rules:No running, no diving, and no snorkeling in shallow water are standard rules at the pool. While toddlers are not allowed to participate in these activities, older children could scare or harm them. Report to a lifeguard if you see older children acting in a way that is unsafe for themselves and other children in the pool.
Learn life-saving skills:Parents and caregivers should be taught first aid procedures so they can save a child's life if an incident occurs.
What are the diseases associated with pool water?
According to the CDC, pool water-related illnesses have increased over the past 20 years, transmitted when children come into contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, water parks, and artificial beaches. These can cause diarrhea and gastroenteritis; and they become more severe in toddlers. To reduce the risk of children contracting pool water-related illnesses, parents and caregivers should follow these guidelines:
Do not allow children to urinate or defecate in the swimming pool.Wearing appropriate swimwear is the best way to prevent children from urinating in the pool.
Check diapers regularly and make sure they are clean. Change diapers immediately and keep your child away from pool water if they have urinated or defecated in it.
Do not allow young children with diarrhea into the swimming pool, even if they are wearing a swim diaper, as waste from the diaper can leak into the pool water.
Prevent young children from swallowing pool water:Toddlers don't know how to control their breathing underwater, making them more prone to swallowing water. This is one of the main reasons for the spread of diseases from pool water. On the other hand, children may enjoy drinking pool water. Do your best to prevent them from doing this and help them understand that pool water is "dirty," unlike the water in their daily drinking glass.
Purchase a pool water test kit to check the chlorine and pH levels of your pool. According to the CDC, the appropriate free chlorine level is 1-3 mg/L and a pH of 7.2-7.8 can kill pathogens.
