Swimming Safety: How to Train Kids to be Self-Sufficient in the Pool

Swimming Safety is imperative

Backyard swimming pools are a fun, fast, and effective way to cool off during a summer heat wave. They are also a great way to let your kids work off some of their excess energy. While swimming can be lots of fun, swimming safety is imperative. There are inherent dangers such as spinal cord injuries, concussion, and even drowning that can take place if kids are not independent swimmers, or do not follow safety rules. With the following tips, you can help to keep your kids safe in the pool and help them enjoy their summer vacations more fully:

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons are one of the best ways to train your kids on self-sufficiency in the pool. You can enroll your child in swimming lessons as early as six months of age. These early lessons help your child feel comfortable in the water and teach them how and when to enter a pool. During the preschool years, children learn how to float and do a back stroke and breast stroke. Older ones learn how to dive safely and how to recognize unsafe situations.

Teaching Safety and Responsibility

How to Train Kids to be Self-Sufficient in the Pool

As your child reaches school age, he or she should be able to understand the rules of using the pool. Your rules might include no swimming alone, no diving, and no use of the pool during inclement weather. Other important rules include no electrical appliances by the pool, no running near the pool, and no alcohol use for the adults supervising the kids. Teenagers may be old enough to take advanced lessons such as life guard training through the Red Cross or another organization. At the very least, teach your child to recognize the signs of drowning and other emergencies and to alert an adult when dangerous situations are taking place.

Supervision and Access to the Pool

Kids of any age should never be allowed access to a pool without an adult present to watch them and all children should be aware of this rule. Your pool should have a flotation device to rescue someone in distress and should also have a perimeter fence or gate that is at least 4 feet tall and locked. The key should be kept away from children's access. 

If an accident happens to your child when swimming at someone else’s pool, contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Jacksonville. An investigation might find that there was insufficient supervision, or that it was too easy for kids to gain access to the pool without an adult's knowledge. Pools are great fun, but making sure the fun lasts is important. Make sure your kids know the rules and are independent in the water on their own. These swimming safety ideas can keep them safe and happy.

Enjoy
   Richard

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