Swimming is probably one of the first things that your kids want to do when summer is here, and our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga can't blame them. When the weather is hot, swimming sounds like perfection! However, before you head on over to your favorite local watering hole, it is important to bone up on safety guidelines. Read on.
What Is the Most Common Swimming Injury?
This is somewhat of a trick question. The most common swimming injury is drowning. While you may not think you or your children are at risk of drowning, the reality is that it’s very common and can occur in water of any depth. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that an adult always supervise children when near or in water—and that a strong swimmer be within arm’s distance of any swimmer who isn’t strong or is younger than age 12.Swimming Safety
- Warm up before swimming.
- Take swimming lessons if you don’t know how to swim.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not swim during a storm or bad weather.
- Do not horseplay in the water.
How Can I Keep Our Pool Safe?
If you have a swimming pool at your home, that brings a new set of challenges and you’ll need to take extra precautions. You’re responsible for anything that happens in or around your pool, so you’ll want to make sure that it’s a safe environment. There are several steps you can take to do so.Pool Safety
- No child should ever be unattended around a pool.
- Toys should be kept away from the pool when not in use.
- Make sure no one is running around the pool perimeter.
- Any pool or body of water should be surrounded by a fence that’s not climbable, at least 4 feet high, and with no more than 4 inches between vertical slats.
- The pool gate should be latched and inaccessible to children.
- Ensure all drains in your pool have proper drain covers.
