While every parent deserves a break (and more than once), there are certain times when you should pay the utmost attention to your child. Primarily, around water. There are countless water-related injuries or fatalities in children every year, most of which were extremely preventable. While a trip to an urgent care facility for a rash or broken bone might be in your future eventually, these tips will help your child stay safe around the water.
Two heads are better than one
When it comes to the safety of your child, you can never be too careful. That's why you (and they) should use the buddy system when they are in or around water. If you and your child go to the pool, have someone else come with you. That way, if you need to get up to go to the bathroom or something, someone else is there to watch your child. Make sure the person you ask to watch them in your absence is someone you trust, and not a nearby stranger.
They're not fish
Children are always intrigued to see how long they can hold their breath. However, you shouldn't encourage your child to attempt this. Children are still finding out about their limitations, and while pushing themselves in a safe environment can be healthy, it can also be dangerous. If holding their breath is something they want to try to do, have them do it on land and in front of you.
Education is key
Anytime you get near a body of water, whether that's a pool, lake, ocean, or whatever, your child should have the knowledge available to keep themselves safe. This won't happen overnight, and certainly doesn't replace your parental duties, but it can assist you in keeping them safe. That means clear indications between the shallow and deep ends of the pool, the absolute maximum distance they can wade out, informing them about undertows and currents, and anything else that could be dangerous.
Summertime can be full of sunshine and the smell of barbeques, but it's also a time of hazards. While you might have to visit your local urgent care services, you don't want to spend your whole summer there. Likewise, if your child is severely injured, you will still likely encounter a wait time at the emergency room. The mean ER wait time increased from 46.5 minutes to 58.1 minutes between 2003 and 2009, so protection is the best treatment. Keep your child safe this summer with these water tips.
If you or your child has been injured, visit our after hours urgent care center in Denver for family quick care.
