Eight Rules of Safe Water Play

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This summer my son started taking swimming lessons.  Since he just turned one, it’s really a class to get him acquainted with the water.  It has been fun to see him get more comfortable in the pool (as he hates water in his face) and to start kicking his legs by himself.  My husband is one of the few dads in the class. He doesn’t know all the words to the silly songs they sing, but he’s been a good sport and has really enjoyed the bonding time with our son.

Playing in pools, lakes, ponds, and beaches provide summer fun and cool relief from our HOT weather!  But water can be dangerous for kids if parents don’t take the proper precautions. You should always review these common sense water safety tips before the splashing begins to keep everyone safe in and around the water.

summerwatersafetytips

Water Safety Tips

  1. Constantly supervise your kids.  Infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers should always have an adult swimmer within arm’s reach.  You should pay attention to where your kids are at all times.
  2. Wear proper safety devices.  Have kids wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life preserver whenever they are near water.  Check the weight and size recommendations on the label and then have your child try it on to make sure it fits snugly.
  3. Check the water temperature.  Typically for children, 82 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit is comfortable for recreational swimming.  Babies tend to be more comfortable with the water on the warmer side of this temperature range.
  4. Kids shouldn’t run or push around the water area.  With water around, there is a chance that someone can slip and fall.  We also don’t want someone to push someone else into the water.  Especially, if we’re unsure how good of a swimmer they are or they are caught off-guard.
  5. Never dive in areas that are not marked for diving.  There is a high risk of getting severely injured by diving in shallow water.
  6. Use swim diapers.  If you’re taking a baby into the water who is not potty trained, use a swim diaper and change them often.
  7. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen.  Reapply sunscreen often, especially if the kids are getting wet and you’re outside.  UV sunglasses, hats, and protective clothing also can help provide sun protection.
  8. Stay well hydrated.  Everyone should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.  It’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun, especially when kids are active and sweating.

I trust these tips will help you and your kids stay safe while playing in the water!  If you have any other water safety rules in your family, I would love for you to share them in the comments!  With all this hot weather we’ve been experiencing, I hope you all stay cool too!

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sparklesmith
Sparkle was born and raised in the Gresham area, but just recently moved back to Portland from the Seattle area. She is half Hmong and half Chinese. Her ethnic names translate to shiny light, hence why her American name is Sparkle. She is an Instructional Designer working from home and creates training materials. She is also a loving wife and mom to a precious 9-month old boy, Boston. For fun, she loves to craft and make things. Sparkle also enjoys her morning coffee and traveling the world. You can see more of her card-making creations on her blog at sparklecreations.blogspot.com.