In the last few days, we have received hard news about children’s accidents in swimming pools. At Piscinas Vailet we want to give you some tips to prevent these accidents while enjoying the summer.
1.- Do not leave children alone and unattended in the pool. We parents often trust and think that our little ones know how to defend themselves perfectly in the water and that they will be protected with the cuffs or floats, but it only takes a small distraction of just a few seconds for a trip, a blow or a simple immersion to have a fatal outcome.
This is why children should never be left alone and should be constantly supervised, especially in private pools or those without a lifeguard service.
2.- Use of floats. As we have said, they are not a guarantee of total safety, but the use of flotation devices or swimming cuffs can help children to manage much better in the water and help them to float in the event of an accident.
But remember that the floats, hoses, boards, etc, must be homologated and in perfect conditions. It would be useless to use floats that are leaking air.
3.- Swimming courses. It is advisable for children to attend swimming lessons. The sooner they learn how to manage in the water, float and swim, the sooner they will be able to avoid risks and deal with any incident.
These courses should be accompanied by instruction on how to behave in the pool. It is important that they know not to jump off the curb on top of other swimmers, hold on to another child in the water, dive near the steps or headfirst if there is not enough depth, etc.
4. Complete fencing of the pool. Whether the pool is private, public or communal, it must be protected by a perimeter fence so that children cannot access it when the pool is closed or unattended.
5. Safe toys and games. In the swimming pool, games that may involve risks should be avoided. Do not run around the pool, do not jump over other bathers, be especially careful with drowning, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish where the joke ends and the danger begins. Any games played in the water must be supervised by an adult.
Toys, as well as floats, must be CE approved and certified. Special care should be taken not to leave toys in the water, as they can be a dangerous lure for children.
6. Headers. We would like to pay special attention to this dangerous game. Most of the accidents that occur in swimming pools are due to the typical ‘headfirst dive’ without taking into account the depth of the pool. These accidents often result in serious traumatisms and quadriplegia.
7. Avoid hypothermia: How many times have we seen children shivering from the cold in the water and not wanting to get out of it? This effect is usually caused by bathing for too long or by the temperature of the water. Although it may be difficult to convince our children, we must get them out of the pool from time to time. It is advisable to take some games or stories with you so that they can also enjoy the summer out of the water.
8. Sun protection. The middle of the day should be avoided when going to the swimming pool, especially if it is completely in the sun. In any case, use a high sunscreen to protect your children from UV rays, and apply the cream as often as necessary.
9.- Digestion time. It is important not to jump into the water after a large meal. Special care should also be taken when the water temperature is too low.
In any case, you should enter the pool slowly, wetting your feet, wrists and neck first to avoid thermal shock.
10.- Calm and common sense. Finally, an important piece of advice. In the event of an accident, it is important to remain calm and use common sense. Control the situation and notify the emergency services as soon as possible.
