Tips for safe swimming in the pool with young children
With the heat of summer days reaching 38 - 40 degrees Celsius, children have the need to swim and play in the pool, including toddlers. However, statistics show that in the summer, drowning accidents in children increase and for toddlers, because they are small, the risk is often higher in the pool if adults are negligent.
Tips for fun and safe swimming in the pool
When in a pool, parents, caregivers, or adults in charge of the pool must always be alert. Here are some tips to prevent drowning:
Staying in the pool with toddlers:Never leave toddlers or other children alone in a pool, even if they are in a baby pool. Drowning can happen in pools even when the water is only 5cm deep...
Keep children at a safe distance:Children can drown even in shallow water, and drowning can happen in less than two minutes for a child. Be sure to actively supervise toddlers at a close distance so you can act quickly if an accident occurs. Do not use your phone while supervising your child.
There are safety fences for family swimming pools:Make sure children cannot enter the pool without adult supervision. It is recommended that a four-sided fence separate the pool from the house and the rest of the yard.
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| Parents or caregivers must always remain with children in the pool for safety, even in a kiddie pool. |
Wear life jackets for children:Many parents provide floating toys and equipment for their toddlers to use in the pool, but these devices do not prevent drowning. For added safety, children should wear life jackets. However, close supervision is still required when children are in the water.
Don't ignore the pool rules:No running, no jumping, and no diving in shallow water are standard pool rules. While toddlers cannot participate in these activities, older children can scare or harm them. Alert a lifeguard if you see older children acting in a way that is unsafe for themselves or other children in the pool.
Learn life-saving skills:Parents and caregivers should be taught first aid, which can save a child's life if an accident occurs.
Diseases related to swimming pool water?
According to the CDC, pool-borne illnesses have increased over the past 20 years, transmitted when children come into contact with contaminated water in pools, water parks, and artificial beaches. They can cause diarrhea and gastroenteritis; they are more serious in toddlers. To reduce the risk of children getting sick from pool water, parents and caregivers should follow these guidelines:
Do not let children go to the toilet in the pool:Using appropriate swimwear is the best way to keep children from going to the bathroom in the pool.
Check diapers regularly and make sure they are clean. Change diapers immediately and keep them out of the pool if your child has had a bowel movement.
Do not allow a child with diarrhea to enter a swimming pool, even if he or she is wearing a swim diaper, as waste from the diaper may leak into the pool water.
Preventing children from swallowing pool water:Toddlers do not have the control to hold their breath underwater and are therefore more likely to swallow water. This is one of the main causes of the spread of diseases from swimming pools. On the other hand, children may find it fun to drink from swimming pools. Do your best to discourage them from doing this and help them understand that swimming pool water is “dirty”, unlike the water in your everyday drinking glass.
Purchase a pool water test kit to check your pool's chlorine levels and pH. According to the CDC, a healthy free chlorine level of 1-3 mg/L and a pH of 7.2-7.8 can kill pathogens.
