Water Saftey

12 Dec Water Saftey

With Summer just beginning we are likely going to spend a lot more time with our children around water to help cool off! Swimming and spending time in water is brilliant for development of our children’s strength, particularly core, balance (particularly standing against waves at the beach) and proprioception (The ability to know where our body is in space) among other things.  

However, as we know, spending time around water comes with inherent risks for children, even if they are component swimmers already! Below are some tips to help keep you and your children safe around water this summer. 

1. Always watch your children in and around water – Even at pools and beaches with lifeguards, it is impossible for them to watch every person so make sure you watch your children. 
2. Always ensure pool fences are secure and gates are closed – If you have a private pool or are around a private pool this is a must! 
3. Swim at beaches with lifeguards and swim between the red and yellow flags! 
4. At the beach keep to a depth where you and your children can still touch their feet on the bottom – This helps reduce chances or rips pulling you out to sea. 
5. At the beach avoid using flotation devices for the sole purpose of floating as again rips can drag you out to sea (it is perfectly fine to use a boogie board to catch waves) 
6. One of the most effective ways to improve your child’s safety around water is to get them into swimming classes if not already. 
7. Finally – Learning first aid and CPR can literally be a life saver around water! 

Above are a few tips and certainly not an extensive list of safety tips for children around water. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us or if you’re already at the beach or pool ask one of the lifeguards or staff around.  

Here are Western Paediatric Physiotherapy we hope you and your family have a lovely, fun and most important safe summer around water!