Swimming is fun – don’t forget safety!
Children in particular are almost magically drawn to the water. However, no child – even if it can already swim – is protected from drowning. Therefore, you should never let them run their laps unsupervised and attach great importance to safety.
Water can be a hazard to children
Water is a great danger, especially for small children who have not yet completed their third year. Children of this age have no orientation in the water, which can mean that a small stream just a few centimeters deep can become a deadly trap. You have to pay all the more attention to the young offspring when you go swimming together.
Even a few years later, when the child has already learned to swim, safety must not be neglected. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children. This not only applies to swimming in the lake or in the outdoor pool, but can also happen in small ponds or in the bathtub. Therefore, never take your eyes off children near or in water.
Swimming lessons for children
It is generally very useful for children to attend swimming lessons. Children can be registered for lessons from the age of four. With swimming lessons, the children lose their fear of water and learn all the important things about dealing with the wet element. Of course, even the best education doesn’t guarantee that a child won’t get into serious trouble in the water. Even after a successful swimming test, the children should not go about their bathing activities completely unnoticed. Learn more about swimming
ALSO INTERESTING:
Sexual abuse by confidants
Prepared for all eventualities?
Keeping an eye on your children is an important factor. But what is to be done if an emergency really does occur? Who masters rescuing the children from the water and what is the first measure to be taken? How does mouth-to-mouth resuscitation work? Parents who go swimming with their children should urgently deal with this topic beforehand and, if necessary, take a first aid course for parents . Because even the wrong first aid after a swimming accident can endanger the life of the child!
In order to keep risks as low as possible, children should not be near the diving towers in indoor or outdoor pools. This is where most accidents usually happen. It is important to ensure that children do not go into the water with an overfilled stomach or when they are completely overheated, as this could cause circulatory problems. It is also a misconception that inflatable water toys or air mattresses provide protection against drowning. Only arm bands for small non-swimmers are a sensible addition to the topic of safety.
More tips for bathing with children
- Choose the bathing area/outdoor pool carefully. If you have small children, it is better to go to an outdoor pool with a lifeguard and a non-swimmer pool.
- So that you can better keep an eye on your children, you should not go to the outdoor pool at peak times. Better right in the morning when it’s still pretty quiet. Better during the week than at the weekend.
- If you are looking for a secluded bathing spot, you should have a mobile phone with you in case of an emergency. Make sure that you actually have reception at the bathing area.
- Make sure that there are no ships or boats on the lake. That can quickly become dangerous.
- Do not let your child play in the water all the time. Get it out every now and then and let it rest wrapped in a towel or bathrobe.
- In the event of a thunderstorm, leave the water immediately, gather all your utensils and go to the car. (Further tips for behavior during thunderstorms )
Especially in summer, swimming is a great leisure activity for young and old. So that the fun doesn’t end badly, you should always keep an eye on your offspring and also be familiar with the necessary measures for first aid in an emergency. With this basis, a day on the water can be enjoyed much more relaxed.