This post was first published on July 20, 2016 This post has been updated.
This article contains a number of useful articles.
What drowning looks like
Do not worry about “dry drowning”, or secondary drowning.
You are the best lifeguard for your family
Choose a water observer
Use a flotation device approved
Sunblock is a must!
The baby swim class is fun, but it’s not a guarantee
Motherly Notes
You may be thinking about how you can keep your little one (and your entire family) safe this summer as you pack up your beach bag. Do not worry! This article will provide you with the necessary information to ensure the safety of your infants at the beach, pool, lake or other water-based activities this summer. It also includes important information about dry drowning.
Here are seven expert tips for keeping your family safe during the summer.
- What drowning looks like
We may imagine someone screaming and flailing their arms when we think about drowning. A young child who is having trouble in the pool may appear quite different and be quiet.
The dog may be seen to be paddling with their mouth open, eyes open wide or closed tightly, head tilted and their eyes open wide.
Children can drown very quickly, silently and without warning.
If you plan to visit someone with a swimming pool, or if you own one yourself, make sure you follow pool safety guidelines.
- Do not worry about “dry drowning”, or secondary drowning.
Many people talk about secondary drowning (children who can’t breathe because of water in their lungs after being in the water for hours) but only 1%-2% of drownings occur in this way. Mild symptoms will usually go away with time.
This is far less common and dangerous than drowning.
Editor’s Note
In a review in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine doctors stressed the importance of not spreading misinformation about “dry” and “secondary” drowning because it would divert attention away from the true problem which is that children drowning in water bodies.
According to Dr. Peter Wernicki of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, he told the Chicago Tribune that “everyone needs calm down… this whole thing has been totally over-hyped” by social media, and people who don’t know the subject.
Seek medical attention if your child begins to cough, has unusual fatigue, chest pain or is having trouble breathing hours after swimming.
- You are the best lifeguard for your family
You may feel safe at the beach or pool, but you are still the best person to know your child’s swimming abilities.
You can also focus on the safety of your family while the lifeguards try to monitor everyone in water. Consider lifeguards a second layer of protection.
The viral appeal of a drowning investigator to parents regarding water safety
- Choose a water observer
It can be a very busy time when everyone is enjoying themselves in the water. Many safety resources such as The Red Cross or the YMCA recommend that one adult be designated as a poolside water monitor at a given time.
Some resources provide badges that make it official. Wear a lanyard for water watchers or a wristband if you want to be an official water observer.
You can take turns with other adults you trust so that you do not get tired. This will also give you plenty of time during the day to relax. Put your phone down, don’t get distracted by other people, and never leave the water area alone.
Consider the idea of “touch surveillance,” where the water monitor remains within reach of the little swimmers.
- Use a flotation device approved
You should only use flotation devices that have been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
While flotation toys like Puddle Jumpers and water wings can be a fun way to interact with your child in the pool they cannot replace a life jacket, life preserver or the guidance of an adult.
What is the safety of Puddle Jumpers in the pool? What parents and caregivers should know
- Sunblock is a must!
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. This will allow the skin to absorb it.
Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and make sure it offers both UVA/UVB protection.
Apply sunblock liberally. You can cover yourself or your baby from head to foot with the amount of sunblock that fits into your palm.
Wearing swim shorts, shirts and suits with SPF built in means that you don’t have to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, as you would need to if you were not wearing these protective layers.
Related: 15 places where you can buy matching family swimsuits
- The baby swim class is fun, but it’s not a guarantee
Infant swim lessons are not mandatory, but they can give your child some basic experience in the water. They will also provide you with all the information you need to keep him or her safe.
It doesn’t matter if you opt for an infant self-rescue class or a weekly course, but it is important to keep in mind that there are no sufficient data to show whether aquatic courses for infants reduce the risk of drowning. It could be that parents and children are more comfortable in water, but infants still need to be supervised.
Swimming lessons for infants could save your child’s life
The AAP states that parents shouldn’t feel confident about their child’s safety in the water or against drowning when they participate in aquatic programs as young as this.
It’s also important that you are comfortable in the water when it comes to taking swimming lessons. You can never be too old to learn to swim and gain confidence.
Motherly Notes
Bottom line? It’s possible to have fun and be safe while playing in the water. Supervise your children whenever there is water in the vicinity. Enjoy swimming and stay safe.
