5 Child Swim Safety Misconceptions and Facts Parents Should Know

posted in: Pool Safety Tips | 0

Child Swim SafetyChild drowning can take place in just a matter of few seconds. Recent studies have shown that nearly 800 children drown every year. 75% of these drowning incidents occur during summer months, between May and August. Accidental deaths could be the result of lack of adult supervision or misconceptions about water safety.

Water safety myths give parents a false sense of security, thus putting children at risk when in or around bodies of water. Here are 5 misconceptions about child swim safety and relevant facts every parent should know.

Misconception 1: If a child is drowning, he/she can easily be heard.

Fact: In real life, drowning is silent. There is little screaming and splashing, making it almost impossible to notice.

Misconception 2: A child can be left alone in or around a swimming pool or body of water.

Fact: In reality, once a child starts to struggle, he/she can drown in a matter of few seconds.

Misconception 3: It is fine to leave a child swimming in a pool since a lifeguard is actively supervising.

Fact: It is the parents’ responsibility to supervise their children while in the water. The primary responsibility of a Lifeguard is to ensure pool rules are being followed and to provide quick emergency response and rescue.

Misconception 4: A child had swimming lessons, and so there’s a lesser chance of drowning.

Fact: Swimming is a good skill to learn, however, the level of proficiency is different for every child, and so it is not an assurance that a child would be safe to swim alone. In fact, 47% of those who drowned in swimming pools knew how to swim.

Misconception 5: Once a child knows how to swim, he/she doesn’t need a life vest.

Fact: Water conditions change. When the water becomes cold and swift, the drowning risk increases. Wearing a life jacket improves the chance of survival.

Child drowning in swimming pools can be reduced to a great extent if parents know and understand the truth about child pool safety. Below are basic pool safety precautionary measures homeowners can apply to keep little ones safe from drowning.

  • Installation of pool fence or barriers.
  • Installation of pool safety cover and alarms.
  • Do not leave your children unsupervised when in or around the pool.
  • Always have safety and flotation devices around your pool, so you are prepared to help your child.

To learn more about child water safety, visit http://bit.ly/2aNxEny.