I have very fond memories of taking my daughter swimming in the middle of winter, when she was only four months old, and looking back I realise that even though she was too young to remember our sessions, I am so glad that I did not listen to the objections raised. Being a first time mum I was understandably nervous and over anxious about child safety and especially child safety in water. Instead of giving into my fears and cocooning my baby in cotton wool I went in the opposite direction. I read all the magazines and books I could manage to fit into my new schedule, which, considering that my easy-going life had suddenly been turned upside down by the arrival of this precious bundle of hard work, was still enough to learn basic safety tips for kids! I decided that my child would experience all the activities available to her that were in my means to provide, and so began the round of social activities revolving around children. Child Safety Tips: Taking a child swimming in the winter is a different experience to taking it swimming in the summer, with the main difference being that in the winter it is important that, firstly, the pool be heated, and secondly to make sure that the baby doesn’t get cold after getting out of the water. I remember standing around shivering in a wet costume, with a damp towel wrapped around me, while I vigorously dried and quickly dressed my daughter in layers of warm clothing. Not until she was cosily wrapped up in her coat, hat, gloves, and scarf, and snuggled into her pram with a blanket, could I even think of getting changed. However in the summer there are many other things to consider regarding swim safety. Due to the heat, paddling pools are an alternative to swimming pools and the temptation is always there to just fill the pool or tub and leave the kids to entertain themselves, thinking that they will be safe, BUT you need to be aware that a small child can drown in only a few inches of water. Don’t let children go swimming straight after a meal, but having a completely empty stomach is also not desirable, since cramps may occur as well as the child not having enough energy to enjoy itself. Never leave children unsupervised near a body of water and always check the depth and temperature before kids enter it, especially if it is a new place for them. Make sure that there is a lifeguard present and that children are taught not to run, push or enter deep water unless they are strong swimmers. If using outdoor facilities, ensure that a high factor sun-block is used and re-applied every hour. Small children tend to get chilled in water even in the summer so limit the time they spend in the water, even if it is heated. Enjoy the summer and keep your children aware and safe.
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