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Drowning is a common cause of death in young people. Swimming injuries, drowning and deaths can be prevented by following simple safety rules. These rules apply whether you are at the beach or in a private pool. By learning these rules, you can make sure that swimming is safe and fun.
Read the signs
When you are at a pool with signs, read them and obey them. Pool rules are there to protect you. The rules prevent accidents, and keep pools clean and germ-free.
Walk, do not run
Do not run around the edges of the pool. The area around the pool can be slippery when kids have been splashing around.
Be careful getting in and out of the pool
Be careful when you get in and out of the pool. If there is a handrail, use it.
Look before you leap or dive in
Shallow water, underwater logs or big rocks are all dangerous when you are diving into lakes or swimming holes. Diving head first into a pool or lake can cause serious injury.
Always check the area and then enter slowly and feet first. Check the area each time before your enter the pool or lake, as swimming conditions or surroundings may change. You may not be able to see underwater swimmers, toys and other objects.
Do not go beyond your abilities
When you go in the water, swim only where you feel comfortable. Do not go farther or deeper than you can handle. At beaches swim parallel to the shore, and stay inside roped-off areas.
Never swim alone
Never swim alone. Use the buddy system. Make sure you watch out for each other. Even when a lifeguard is around, it is best to have a “buddy”.
Play carefully Wrestling and tumbling in a pool or lake can be very dangerous. Hitting your head against pool walls or floors, or rocks in lakes, can knock you unconscious. If you do not get help, you can drown very quickly.
Do not drink
Injuries involving alcohol are a common problem at private pools, beaches and local swimming holes. Alcohol can make accidents worse because it slows your reflexes and makes you clumsy. Alcohol can also put you to sleep. This is especially dangerous in a hot tub. If you are in or around the water or a hot tub, do not drink alcohol.
Watch out for hazards
Never play around suction lines or pool drains. Water is always being pumped through a filter system in swimming pools and hot tubs. This means the water is being pulled out of the pool, and then through suction pipes. You should never put your head underwater in a whirlpool or hot tub because the suction lines can catch your hair and hold your head under water until you drown. Your arms or legs can get caught in suction lines too. There is also a higher risk of eye or ear infections. If you have long hair, you should wear a bathing cap or at least braid your hair.
Watch out for underwater traps
Some railings or ladders in pools or hot tubs have small spaces, which can trap children underwater. Sometimes, children drown because they get stuck in a railing or between a ladder and the pool wall.
Never leave your child alone
A child can drown in just a few minutes and a few centimetres of water. Young children need constant supervision by an adult when they are in or near the water. Infants and toddlers should always be within arm’s reach of an adult when they are in or near water. Older children should always have someone nearby, and they should use the “buddy system”.
Beaches have so many hidden dangers, such as underwater logs, sudden drop offs, or tidal currents. Stay with your children. Obey any posted warnings about currents or dangerous areas, and ask other people if they know of any trouble spots in the area.
Never let children play in hot tubs.
A quick soak is okay, but the hot water can quickly affect a child’s small body. See HealthLink BC File 27a Hot Tubs: Health and Safety Tips.
Use sunscreen
Sun smart your child. Use “waterproof” sunscreen for the pool or beach. See HealthLink BC File 26 “Sun-smart” Your Kids.
Take a first aid course
Take a first aid course that teaches:
Many agencies offer these courses for parents.
Fence off your pool
Make sure there is a fence around your pool with a gate that can not be opened by a child. Make sure the gate is closed and locked when no one is around to protect your child and other children in the neighbourhood. Check if there are local government by-laws for swimming pool safety.
Keep your pool clean
Dirty pools grow bacteria that can make you sick. A few good habits help keep the pool a clean and healthy environment.
Make sure it is easy to get in and out
Make sure it is easy and safe to get in and out of your pool or hot tub.
Make sure there are no hidden dangers
Broken fittings and sharp edges can cause cuts, bruises and other injuries. If you see any broken play equipment, fittings or pipes, get them fixed.
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For more HealthLink BC File topics, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca/healthfiles/index.stm or your local public health unit. Click on www.HealthLinkBC.ca or call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information and services in B.C. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance, call 7-1-1 in B.C. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages on request. |
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