Summer is synonymous with sunshine, warm weather, and of course, endless water fun! But amidst the splish-splash and laughter, it’s crucial to remember that water safety is paramount, especially when it comes to our precious little ones.
Here at Arden Early Learning, we’re passionate about water safety education, and we’ve compiled some essential tips for parents to keep in mind:
Become a Water Watcher:
- Designate a “water watcher” whenever children are near or in the water. This means putting down your phone, turning off distractions, and focusing solely on supervising the little ones. Remember, even the strongest swimmers can get into trouble in a split second.
Build Water Warriors:
- Enrol your child in swimming lessons as early as possible. This not only equips them with essential swimming skills but also boosts their confidence and understanding of water safety.
- Teach your child to always swim with a buddy, even if they’re confident swimmers. This way, they can look out for each other and raise the alarm if needed.
Create a Fortress of Safety:
- Install a secure fence around your pool with a self-closing and latching gate and ensure it meets the Government safety regulations.
- If you have a pool, keep the gate locked when not in use, even for “just a minute” trips.
Safety First, Fun Always:
- Make sure children wear properly fitting life jackets, especially those who are non-swimmers or new to the water. Choose brightly colored life jackets that are easy to spot in case of an emergency.
- Remove toys and inflatables from the pool when it’s not in use. These can entice children to climb over fences or reach for them, potentially leading to falls.
- Establish clear pool rules and expectations with your children. This includes no running, diving in shallow areas, or playing rough near the water.
Remember, water safety is a shared responsibility. Let’s all work together to keep our little ones safe and sound around water!
Additional Resources:
- The Queensland Government website: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/pool-safety
- The Queensland Building and Construction Commission: https://www.poolsafely.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Safety-Barrier-Guidelines-for-Residential-Pools.pdf
- Royal Life Saving Society of Australia: https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/
- Surf Life Saving Australia: https://sls.com.au/
- Kids Alive: https://kidsalive.com.au/
We hope you found this blog post informative and helpful. Please share it with your friends and family to spread the word about water safety!
Happy splashing!