10 Water & Swimming Safety Tips For Your Children

Water is one of the most ominous hazards your child will encounter. Young children can drown in only a few inches of water, even if they've had swimming instructions.

Though swimming classes for young children are widely available, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend them for children under four. There are two reasons:

1. You may be lulled into being less cautious because you think your child can swim.

2. Young children who are repeatedly immersed in water may swallow so much of it that they develop water intoxication. This can result in convulsions, shock, and even death.

If you do enroll a child under four in a swimming program, particularly a "Daddy" or "Mommy and me" class, think of it primarily as an opportunity to enjoy playing in the water together.

Be sure the class you choose adheres to guidelines established by the national YMCA. Among other things, these guidelines forbid submersion of young children and encourage parents to participate in all activities.

When your child reaches four, you may want to teach him to swim so he'll feel more comfortable in and around water. But remember that even a child who knows how to swim needs to be watched constantly. Whenever your child is near water, follow these safety rules:

1. Be aware of small bodies of water your child might encounter, such as fish-ponds, ditches, fountains, rain barrels, watering cans - even the bucket you use when you wash the car. Children are drawn to places and things like these and need constant supervision to be sure they don't fall in.

2. Children who are swimming - even in a shallow toddler's pool - should be watched by an adult, preferably one who knows CPR. Inflatable pools should be emptied and put away after each play session.

3. Enforce safety rules: No running near the pool and no pushing others underwater!

4. Don't allow your child to use inflatable toys or mattresses to keep him afloat. These toys may deflate suddenly or your child may slip off them into water that is too deep for him.

5. Be sure the deep and shallow ends of any pool your child swims in are clearly marked. Never allow your child to dive in the shallow end.

6. If you have a swimming pool at home, it should be completely surrounded with a 5-foot fence that has a self-locking gate. Keep the gate closed and locked at all times. Be sure your child cannot manipulate the lock or climb the fence.

7. If your pool has a cover, remove it completely before swimming. Also, never allow your child to walk on the pool cover; water may have accumulated on it, making it as dangerous as the pool itself. Your child could also fall through it and become trapped underneath.

8. Keep a safety ring with a rope beside the pool at all times. If possible, have a phone in the pool area with emergency numbers clearly marked.

9. Spas and hot tubs are dangerous for young children, who can easily drown or become overheated in them. Don't allow young children to use these facilities.

10. Your child should always wear a life preserver when he swims or rides in a boat. A life preserver fits properly if you can't lift it off over your child's head after he's been fastened into it. For the child under age five, particularly the non-swimmer, it also should have a flotation collar to keep the head upright and the face out of the water.