How to Keep Your Toddler Safe On a Swim?

Swimming is fun. you can swim in the sun. Yes, swimming is fun.

Are you as a parent of toddler excited to take him or her to the swimming pool? Yes, it is a good way to stay cool but do you know that there are few important things that need to be kept in mind when taking your toddler for swimming.

Tips to Help Child Enjoy Fun Splash in Pool in Summer

Swimming in summers is one of the best activities for a child. Children love to splash about and play in the water while cooling off from the scorching heat of the sun.  The start of the swimming season is greeted with much excitement; however, you must not forget the necessary precautions this summer activity requires. Here’s a quick short guide on safe swimming for your children. Follow these key pointers to ensure a safe and happy summer in the pool for your child -

• You should keep a watch on your child while s/he is in the pool and in case you are not around, ensure that there is a lifeguard watching over them.
• Teach your child to never go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out!
• Use flotation devices and other toddlers swimming aids that are of good quality and Coast Guard approved. You may also seek assistance in choosing your child’s swimming instructor.
• Instruct your child to walk slowly in the pool area. Running should be avoided for fear of slipping on wet surfaces.
• Your child needs to swim at a depth that is safe for him/her. Whiles/he is just learning to swim they had better stay in the shallow end.
• Eating while swimming is not advisable for fear of choking. Give your child a snack either 1-2 hours before, or after their swim.
• Applying a good SPF sunblock will protect your child’s skin from the sunlight and also tanning (to some extent). Make sure it's waterproof!
• Teach your child not to push or jump on others. He could accidentally hurt someone or him/herself.
• Toys to help them float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they're fun and can help while they learn to swim, what they can't do is save a life. They are toys that can deflate or float away. So you must take care!
• Don't allow your child to swim in the dark especially when he is young and still a learner. 
• Teach your child to go into the water slowly to make sure the temperature feels comfortable and it's not too cold. A sudden drop in body temperature can cause your child to fall ill. 
• Germs might lurk in the pool water that can make a person sick with diarrhea or other illnesses. So make sure that your child does not swallow the water.
• Make it a habit that's/he takes a shower with soap before going swimming and washes their hands after using the bathroom. This also helps to keep the pool water as clean as possible. 

[Also Read: How to Avoid Heat Stress This Summer?]

• Even after a swim s/, he should take a shower with soap. This avoids the probability of skin infections and allergies.
• A swimming cap protects the scalp and hair of a child. From day one make it a habit that s/he wears the same or they might resist later on.
• Be mindful that the pool is cleaned regularly (at least once a week) and hygiene standards are maintained.
• Don’t allow your child to even enter the pool ifs/he is sick.
• Educate your children about the dangers of drain entanglement and entrapment and teach them to never play or swim near drains or suction outlets in pools. 
• Have you seen those big numbers painted on the side of the pool? Those are called depth markers — they tell you how deep the water is at that point. Teach your child to always look before jumping into a pool.
• Also only dive off the diving board. Never dive off the side of the pool unless an adult says that the water is deep enough. The water may be shallower than s/he thinks. If s/he hits the bottom s/he may hurt himself.

Every fun activity comes with responsibility when it comes to children. But due to a fear of damage or diseases, we cannot abstain from letting them experience the learning and growth and fun associated with swimming. It is indeed one of the best forms of exercise and what better time to learn than in the summer? Happy and safe swimming!!!

Did you find Neha’s tips on safe swimming useful? How do you ensure a safe healthy summer for your child? Do leave your comments…. We love hearing from you!