Child Safety
Security and You:
Splashing, wading, and paddling – it must mean a great day on the water. Playing on the beach, a water park next to a lake or a pool can be a real treat on a hot day. Swimming is fun, but drowning is a real danger. Let's see how to keep safe in the water.
Why is it Important to be safe in the water?:
Fish are able to live and breathe under water, but people need air to breathing. People drown when too much water gets into your lungs. When that happens, the lungs can not carry enough oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body.
Drowning is the second most common cause of injury deaths among children under 14 years. Drowning can happen quickly – sometimes in less than 2 minutes after a person's head goes under water. This leaves little time for someone to help.
Many drownings and near drownings occur when a child accidentally falls into a pool. But accidents can happen anywhere – in someone's home or even at home, and that's why you need to know how be safe around water.
Swimming pools:
The pools are awesome! What could be better than a dip in the pool and fun in the sun? But remember a pool sides and bottom are usually made of concrete, a rock-hard material. A slip or fall can be painful and dangerous.
Have you seen the large numbers painted on the side of the pool? These are called depth markers – they tell you what is the water depth at that point. You should always look before you leap into a pool. You must dive just off the trampoline. Never dive from the side of the pool unless an adult says that water is deep enough. The water may be shallower than you think. If you hit the bottom. . . Ay! You could be knocked out, or might hurt your neck very badly.
Check the temperature of the pool of water before diving in. Cold water can shock your body and make your blood pressure and heart rate increases. You accidentally open his mouth to yell and accidentally breathe a little water. Cold water can also slow your muscles, making it difficult to swim.
Here are some other good tips for the pool:
* Always have an adult to see you when you're in the pool – even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if no adult nearby.
* Gates are around pools for a reason – to keep children away from water when there is a lifeguard or adult around to see them. No pass pool gates when closed. Stay safe and stay out!
* Always obey pool rules.
* Swim with a friend.
* If you are learning to swim, ask your mom or dad to make sure your flotation devices are Coast Guard Approved.
* Walk slowly in the pool area. Do not run.
* Swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you are just learning to swim, be in the shallow end.
* Do not push or jump on others. You might want to hurt someone or yourself.
* Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they are fun and can help you while learning to swim, can not save a life. These toys may lose air or floating.
* Do not chew gum or eat while swimming – you can choke.
Lakes and ponds:
Many children bathing in streams, lakes or ponds. Extra care must be taken when swimming in these beautiful places. You can not always see the bottom of the lake or pond, so do not always know the depth of water. This is another reason for Always swim with an adult. Although the fish swimming around will not hurt, some ponds and lakes may hide jagged rocks, broken bottles, or trash. Use something to protect his feet. Also, watch for weeds and grass, which can trap even a good swimmer. If you panic and try to remove it, can get even more tangled. Instead, shake and pull your arms and legs slowly to work yourself loose or call for help from an adult.
If you're going out on a boat, always wear a life lifeguard. (Again, the lifejacket must be approved by the Coast Guard.) Even if you are a good swimmer, something could make the boat tip over and could being trapped underneath.
Beaches:
It is hard to resist a day at the beach, but you should know some safety rules when you're swimming in the ocean. When you get to the beach, check with the lifeguard to find out how the waves are strong. Some places fly flags or write notes on a chalkboard to give swimmers a idea of what the conditions.
In some places swimmers may find strong rip currents or ocean currents. Rip currents are strong enough to carry the swimmers away from shore before they know what is happening. If you are caught in a current, swim parallel to the coast (near shore) and not the bank until the water stops pulling, then swim back to shore. If you can not return to the beach, tread water and wave for a lifeguard for help.
You may not see any sharks (although a friendly dolphin may splash by) where you swim. But you may find some jellyfish or Portuguese man of war. These shape umbrellas, nearly clear animals can grow to be as large as several feet in diameter! They are often found floating near the shore. Getting stung is no fun – It can hurt and blister your skin. If itchy, tell an adult as soon as possible.
Here are some other good water safety tips:
* Learn to swim. Ask your parents to contact your local American Red Cross or community information center for navigation or water safety.
* Apply always plenty of sunscreen before going outdoors. It is also a good idea to wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin? harmful rays sun.
* Stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm. Remember that lightning is electricity – electricity and water are a dangerous combination.
* Do not swim in the dark.
* Wherever you're swimming, has a waterfall of fun!
For many safety tips visit www.1800pools.com About the Author
Steve Merillat has been in the Pool industry for 35 years. He has pioneered many pool installation techniques that are used in the industry today. You can learn how to properly take care and maintain your pool yourself saving time and money, from one of the most experienced people in pools. Please visit http://www.1800pools.com
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