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.

The post 5 Child Swim Safety Misconceptions and Facts Parents Should Know appeared first on Poolfence NY.