Splash Safely: 5 Summer Water Safety Tips for Kids
Splash Safely: 5 Summer Water Safety Tips for Kids
Summer in the Hampton Roads is a season filled with countless fun water activities that our children love. From swimming in pools to playing at the beach, our mission at Katie’s Kickers is to ensure our children navigate water safely. As we prepare for another busy season of nonstop water adventures, below are 5 essential ways to stay safe while enjoying family water activities all summer long.
1. Constant Supervision:
As much as we crave relaxation during summertime, as parents, we can never leave our children unattended around water, not even for a moment. Drowning accidents happen quickly and silently. By always keeping young children within arm’s reach and maintaining constant eye contact and not becoming distracted by things such as our phones, we are putting our best foot forward in keeping our children safe around water!
2. Teach and Reinforce Water Safety Rules:
Children are eager to soak up and knowledge we provide them with, and that includes water safety rules! Below are some great instructions to reinforce in our children whenever they’re around water.
- Never run near pools, to avoid slipping.
- Stay away from pool drains and filters.
- Always swim with a buddy and never alone.
- Follow the instructions of lifeguards and adults.
3. Enroll in Swimming Lessons:
It’s no surprise that our biggest encouragement is to enroll your children in safe swimming classes at Katie’s Kickers. Through our certified instructors, children learn a vital skill that can save lives – safe swimming! Lessons can help children become comfortable in the water and teach them essential techniques like floating, treading water, and safe ways to enter and exit the water.
4. Wear Life Jackets and Safety Gear:
Ensure children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when they are near or on the water, especially if they are not strong swimmers. Life jackets are essential for boating, fishing, and other water sports here in the Hampton Roads. Additionally, make sure any safety gear, such as pool fences and alarms, are properly installed and maintained to prevent unsupervised access to water.
5. Be Prepared for Emergencies:
Preparation is key to handling water emergencies. Learning CPR and basic first aid skills can make a critical difference in an emergency situation. Keep a phone nearby to call for help if needed and have a well-stocked first aid kit accessible. It also never hurts to familiarize yourself with the locations of emergency equipment, such as life rings or reaching poles, at your local pool or beach.
By following these 5 tips, you can significantly enhance the safety of your children around water this summer season. If your children haven’t enrolled in swimming lessons, please reach out to us at Katie’s Kickers to learn why we’re Hampton Roads’ most trusted source for water safety. Give us a call today at (757) 942-5893.
