As you'll read next post, my family just got a new pool. Water safety is super important, and it is definitely on my mind now. Here's some very important water safety tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.
When the weather is unbearably hot and humid, there’s nothing better than jumping into a cool pool or taking a swim in the ocean. And when you’re visiting Florida, it’s simply a way of life! Florida is a wonderful place to take your family on vacation, but it’s important to remember that just because you’re on holiday, you and your family aren’t immune from disaster, injuries and accidents.
In fact, a large proportion of accidents that take place in Florida are water-related. With drowning being the number one cause of accidental death. This is particularly worrying if you have young children, or if you're travelling with teens who might not take water safety seriously.
No one wants their holiday marred by a terrible water accident, whether they’ve slipped by the pool, fallen from a broken ladder or diving board, or drowned – reach out to an Ocala personal injury lawyer if you want more information about PI cases. So, read on for some simple water safety tips all families should follow.
Always watch your children
Supervising your children comes naturally. However, if they're playing by water then you need to be extra cautious. Forget reading a book by the pool while they play in the shallow end, or even drinking alcohol and sunbathing with your fellow adults, poolside. If you're not watching your children, then they're at risk of drowning. Arrange a system where each parent takes a turn in watching the children. Even if you need a quick bathroom break.
Teach your kids how to swim
Swimming is a life skill that all children should know. If they find themselves in danger, then they have a fighting chance of survival. Get your children a few lessons before you travel, or if you’re staying at a resort, inquire if the staff provide swimming lessons and activities for children.
Make sure they know not to run
Running around the poolside is something all kids do. However, they're likely to slip and hurt themselves or fall into the pool. If this happens when you're not watching them, the results could be catastrophic. Ensure they know not to run and to keep away from the pool edge.
Know the signs of drowning
They're just playing, right? Believe it or not, drowning doesn't mean thrashing around and shouting for help. Drowning is often silent. Look for signs such as their head thrust back in the water, hair covering their face, and movements that imitate climbing a ladder. If in doubt – get the lifeguards attention.
Only swim where lifeguards are present
Only swim where there are flags, or safeguards present, that way you and your family are much safer!
And finally…
Learning basic CPR and first aid could mean the difference between life and death. Get to grips with the basics before you travel.
PS, from Penny- a Bonus Tip:
Flotation devices are not meant to be used in an ocean or sea. They are only for pools. I nearly drowned because my floating mattress swept me out to sea without my realizing it and I couldn't swim to shore. Only use them in a pool!
When the weather is unbearably hot and humid, there’s nothing better than jumping into a cool pool or taking a swim in the ocean. And when you’re visiting Florida, it’s simply a way of life! Florida is a wonderful place to take your family on vacation, but it’s important to remember that just because you’re on holiday, you and your family aren’t immune from disaster, injuries and accidents.
In fact, a large proportion of accidents that take place in Florida are water-related. With drowning being the number one cause of accidental death. This is particularly worrying if you have young children, or if you're travelling with teens who might not take water safety seriously.
No one wants their holiday marred by a terrible water accident, whether they’ve slipped by the pool, fallen from a broken ladder or diving board, or drowned – reach out to an Ocala personal injury lawyer if you want more information about PI cases. So, read on for some simple water safety tips all families should follow.
Always watch your children
Supervising your children comes naturally. However, if they're playing by water then you need to be extra cautious. Forget reading a book by the pool while they play in the shallow end, or even drinking alcohol and sunbathing with your fellow adults, poolside. If you're not watching your children, then they're at risk of drowning. Arrange a system where each parent takes a turn in watching the children. Even if you need a quick bathroom break.
Teach your kids how to swim
Swimming is a life skill that all children should know. If they find themselves in danger, then they have a fighting chance of survival. Get your children a few lessons before you travel, or if you’re staying at a resort, inquire if the staff provide swimming lessons and activities for children.
Make sure they know not to run
Running around the poolside is something all kids do. However, they're likely to slip and hurt themselves or fall into the pool. If this happens when you're not watching them, the results could be catastrophic. Ensure they know not to run and to keep away from the pool edge.
Know the signs of drowning
They're just playing, right? Believe it or not, drowning doesn't mean thrashing around and shouting for help. Drowning is often silent. Look for signs such as their head thrust back in the water, hair covering their face, and movements that imitate climbing a ladder. If in doubt – get the lifeguards attention.
Only swim where lifeguards are present
Only swim where there are flags, or safeguards present, that way you and your family are much safer!
And finally…
Learning basic CPR and first aid could mean the difference between life and death. Get to grips with the basics before you travel.
PS, from Penny- a Bonus Tip:
Flotation devices are not meant to be used in an ocean or sea. They are only for pools. I nearly drowned because my floating mattress swept me out to sea without my realizing it and I couldn't swim to shore. Only use them in a pool!