Learning to swim is a key life-saving skill which protects the lives of thousands of people every year. But sadly, drowning is still third in accidental deaths in children under the age of 5 in the UK.
This is why we teach your children essential life saving skills in their classes with us, growing their confidence and competence in the water as they develop.
Below we've listed some of the most important ways that you can enjoy the water safely this summer.
A bustling bundle of energy, young Saffi our Water Safety Officer prides herself on being able to spot a potential water hazard, even with her eyes closed! A native of Lighthouse Lagoon, she’s always shining a light on the importance of being safe in and around the water, and her commitment to dotting every ‘i’ and crossing every ‘t’ is a source of good-natured amusement to the others. You'll always hear her say, “better safe than soggy”. Saffi will be providing her expert water safety advice to families both in and out of the pool. So this summer you can learn how to enjoy the water safely, outside of lessons.
Safeguarding your babies and children from poolside to beach this holiday season with Aquatics Director at Water Babies, Hannah Smith
With the summer holidays fast approaching, Water Babies, the world’s largest baby swim school, shares eight tips on how best to ensure water safety for babies and children. Whether you are setting up a paddling pool in your garden, planning a family day out at the beach, or a fun trip to the swimming pool, Water Babies has water safety covered for parents.
Fear of the water is a learnt behaviour, so it is important to get your little ones accustomed to the water at a young age, and show them how to respond to this environment in a safe way.
It’s really important not to pass on your own fears of the water. At Water Babies we see babies swimming from birth and have had pupils as young as a day old in our classes, although the average starting age is between 3 to 4 months old.
Start introducing water to your baby in a fun environment by making bath time enjoyable with songs and toys. This positive association will then be transferred to the swimming pool and bigger water based environments. But it’s not just about having fun. For instance, did you know, children who take part in baby swimming reach developmental milestones such as counting to 10 much earlier than expected?
Be aware of the type of pool that your little one is swimming in and check the temperature. “This should be a minimum 30 degrees and if your baby is under 12 weeks or 12 pounds, this needs to be 32 degrees or above. Take in the wider surroundings also and check if there is a lifeguard on duty, whether there are any slippery surfaces, where the deep end of the pool is and if there are any cracked tiles; as these are all factors to consider when ensuring water safety.
There are lots of great things you can kit your baby out in – a floppy sun hat if you’re outside, a happy nappy wetsuit if you’re worried they might get a little chilly and for older toddlers, a float jacket can give them a little bit of independence (but make sure you don’t leave them unsupervised). We have a full range of Summer Safety products on our shop website.
As well as kitting your little one in the right clothing this summer, it’s also important to think about the colour of their swimwear. Similarly to being in a big crowd, brightly coloured swimwear will help you to spot your little one in the water and keep them in safe. Especially if they’re older children and swimming underwater.
Always keep a watchful eye on your children, even if there is a lifeguard on duty. Lifeguards are a great additional resource but do not solely rely on this. Designate an adult who can keep an eye on the children who are both in and around the pool and always keep non-swimmers within arm’s length.
Floatation devices can be a fun experience for babies and children, however always keep in mind that these are not life preservers and even if your little one has floats, you shouldn’t take your eyes off them. As these can either float away with currents and tides, or even tip over with your little one inside.
Just like flotation devices, inflatables are also not life preservers and can easily be blown out to sea. Children shouldn’t be left unsupervised on inflatables and if they are used, little ones must wear appropriate buoyancy aids when on them. Inflatables include items such as boats, Lilo’s etc. but also paddleboards as well, especially blow-up ones.
Paddling pools are great fun in the garden on a hot summer's day, but always keep water safety a priority, even if your children are in a paddling pool with just a few inches of water. Once you are finished, ensure you empty out the water and tip the paddling pool over.
At the beach, always check whether there are trained lifeguards on duty, always swim in between the designated flags (familiarise yourself with these if you’re abroad, as signage can change depending on the country) and keep in mind possible rip currents and tides.
When it comes to emergency and survival, every second counts. If you are abroad, make sure you know the emergency number and it is always advisable to have a first aid kit with you. At Water Babies, all our teachers are qualified life-savers and are trained to carry out infant resuscitation (a qualification which they renew every two years). All teachers also carry:
Drowning Prevention Week (17 - 24 June 2023) aims to equip everybody across the UK and Ireland with the skills and knowledge, to make the right decisions about water safety.
With the skills and knowledge to make the right decisions about water safety, and make memories that will last a lifetime, for all the right reasons.
The DPW campaign, created by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), encourages parents, schools, leisure centres and communities to use its free water safety resources, to give children the skills to enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water.
Now in its tenth year, DPW 2023 is a crucial campaign as there is still a dramatic gap in school swimming and water safety education.
For free water safety advice, resources and online lessons, check out the Royal Life Saving Society here.