Swimming Safety – How to Keep Your Children Safe This Summer

16 May Swimming Safety – How to Keep Your Children Safe This Summer

When it comes to holidays abroad, ensuring a child’s safety while swimming is any parent’s top priority. While swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks, especially when swimming in unfamiliar environments. In this blog, we’ll cover key tips to help keep your child safe while swimming on holiday, whether at a pool, beach, or in the sea.

Know the Local Water Conditions and Rules

Before heading into the water, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the local swimming environment. Different countries and locations can have varying conditions, from the depth of swimming pools to the strength of tides and currents at beaches. Always take a moment to check the local swimming rules. For instance, beaches often use colour-coded flags to indicate the safety of the water: red for danger, yellow for caution, and green for safe swimming conditions. Be sure to look for and follow these signs.

At pools, pay attention to any safety guidelines posted on the walls, such as depth markers and instructions about where children are allowed to swim. Not all pools have lifeguards on duty, so you might need to take on the responsibility of ensuring your child’s safety. Additionally, certain areas may have specific regulations about swimming in deeper sections, so always ensure that your child is swimming in the correct zones for their ability.

Supervision

Supervision is crucial when it comes to keeping children safe in and around water. This is particularly important when you’re away from home and in an environment that may feel different from your usual swimming spots. Even when there are lifeguards present, they can’t watch every swimmer at all times, and accidents can happen quickly.

While swimming lessons at a place like Brightwater Swim School can equip your child with essential water safety skills, nothing replaces the importance of active supervision. Even if your child is already confident in the water, be vigilant and watch for any signs of fatigue, distress, or difficulty. Keeping a constant watch over them ensures that you can step in quickly if needed.

Water Safety Skills

If your child has not yet had swimming lessons, it’s advisable to start their swimming education before your holiday. Learning essential water safety skills can help them enjoy swimming while minimising the risks. At Brightwater Swim School, we offer swimming lessons from the age of 4+ months, helping children develop key water safety skills such as floating, treading water, and how to get out of the pool safely. These lessons provide your child with the confidence they need to swim in various environments and help you as a parent feel more at ease while on holiday.

If your child is already attending lessons elsewhere, consider discussing their progress with the instructor and find out what additional skills they could work on before your trip. Basic skills such as how to float on their back, kick their legs, and staying calm in the water can be incredibly beneficial when they find themselves in new swimming environments. Remember, the more prepared your child is, the safer and more confident they will be when swimming abroad.

Be Mindful of Underwater Hazards

When swimming in the sea it’s important to be aware of underwater hazards that could pose a risk to your child’s safety. Hidden dangers such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth, and even sea life such as sea urchins can be present. Many beaches, particularly those with natural features, may have areas where the depth changes suddenly, making it difficult to see or predict the bottom of the water. In these areas, it’s essential to exercise caution and avoid letting children swim too far from the shore.

What to Do in Case of an Emergency

In an emergency, knowing what to do can make all the difference. Before heading on holiday, take the time to familiarise yourself with the emergency numbers. If your child is going to be swimming in a location where a lifeguard is not present, it’s essential to know how to react quickly in case of an emergency. Staying calm and focused is key to managing any situation that might arise.

It’s also a good idea to discuss basic emergency procedures with your child before your trip. Teach them how to call for help and how to signal if they need assistance. In case of an emergency, try to get the attention of a lifeguard or nearby adults immediately. If your child is in difficulty, try to remain calm, assess the situation, and get them to safety as quickly as possible. Having a plan in place before you travel ensures that, in the event of an emergency, you’re ready to take the appropriate action.

Final Thoughts

Swimming is a fantastic way for children to enjoy their holidays and stay active, but safety should always be a priority. By familiarising yourself with local conditions, supervising your child closely, preparing them with water safety skills, and knowing how to respond in an emergency, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you’re looking to build your child’s confidence and water safety skills before you travel, Brightwater Swim School offers expert lessons that will prepare them for fun and safe swimming experiences wherever you’re going this summer.

Contact us today to learn more about our swimming classes for your child. You can get in touch with us via email: info@brightwaterswim.co.uk or use our contact form here.