WASHINGTON — Warm weather is here, many community pools are now open, and water safety should be on everyone’s mind before jumping in.
The American Red Cross recommends swimming in areas that are supervised by lifeguards. Never swim alone — always swim with a buddy.
Children love the water and some kids plunge in without regard for their safety. Young children should never be left unattended near water, and they should be supervised by an adult at all times.
“Children must be watched constantly and it’s hard. It’s hard to keep eyes on children. They’re fast, they move around, they go everywhere, but it’s absolutely a necessity in the aquatic environment,” says Tom Gill, public information officer for the United States Life Saving Association.
The Red Cross also recommends that children learn to swim well. There are many age-appropriate swim programs throughout the area, including courses offered by the Red Cross.
“As early as possible, young children, all the way up to adults, need to learn how to swim,” Gill says. “Anyone can learn to swim and there are so many great programs out there, check with the local Red Cross, the YMCA, and rec centers in your community.”
HealthyChildren.org recommends that when infants and toddlers are in the water, an adult should also be in the water within arm’s reach.
Also, adults watching over kids in the pool need to avoid all distractions, including cellphones, socializing and drinking alcohol, and the supervising adult should know how to swim.
Other tips offered by the website:
- Keep toys away from the pool when it’s not in use.
- Empty blow-up pools after each use.
- No tricycles or other riding toys poolside.
- No running on the pool deck.
- No diving in shallow water.
