The Summer months bring lots of fun in the swimming pool and at the beach, so we thought we would give you a few tips so that you can have an amazing time but also stay safe.
If you’re beach-bound then these tips will help you to stay safe:
- Take a blow-up paddling pool and pool toys which you can put in the shade – this is great for babies and toddlers.
- Rash vests are brilliant for all ages to protect their delicate skin against the sun, helping them to stay cool while they play.
- Popular beaches will often have flags to mark a specific area of the sea that is safe to swim in. Rip currents are extremely dangerous and hard to see with the untrained eye so pay close attention to these markers.
- Drink water! It’s an obvious one, we know. But it’s so important to stay hydrated especially on scorching days like we’ve seen recently in this heatwave.
- If your child is used to using a floatation aid, spend some time supervising them in the water without it to help to build their water confidence.
- Remember to have fun! Now get out there and enjoy yourselves.
If you have a paddling pool in your garden, here are a few steps you can take to have a blast while being safe:
- The area around the pool can become slippery, so If it is a large pool, cover it at night and ensure it is secure so that a child can’t fall in.
- Check the pool thoroughly before entering as wasps, bees and other insects may be stranded in the water and ready to sting you!
- The water in hose pipes can become very warm in direct sunlight so if you’re preparing for a water fight, check the temperature of the water first before you open fire.
Parents Laura and Jamie Boswell with Ollie and sister Lily in the pool in Majorca
Learning key water skills to be safe around the water is incredibly important. This fact was illustrated by four-year-old Oliver who saved his own life when he fell into a swimming pool in Majorca. Oliver, who has swum with Water Babies since he was a tiny baby simply used the skills that we teach in our classes from day one.
Together with Children's Alliance, we're working tirelessly towards giving children the best start in life. For more information on how Children's Alliance are campaigning to appoint a Minister for Children in Government, tap through to their website.
To book your little one onto their very own swimming classes, tap ‘find a class’ below.