Swimming Safety for Little Ones

Swimming is a healthy and fun activity for everyone. But don't forget about swimming safety to keep the fun going all summer.

However, safety should not be forgotten. Accidents due to water can happen so quickly and with no warning. And unfortunately, drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death in toddlers. So here are some swim safety tips to keep the whole family safe this summer.

1. Adult supervision is crucial to water safety. Always be in the water within arm’s length of your little ones. NEVER leave them alone (not even for a second) in or around water.

2. Teach kids not to run around the pool.

3. Floatable toys are fun but are not floatation devices. Things like arm floaties can easily slip off. A flotation device that is snug and goes around the torso is a better option.

4. Teach your little ones to swim. Statistics show that if kids don't learn to swim by the third grade, they probably never will.

5. No eating or drinking while swimming. Your little one could choke.

6. Apply plenty of sunscreen before going outside. For added protection, put on sunglasses and a hat on your little one to protect their skin from the sun's harmful rays.

7. Everyone out! Stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm. Remember, lightning is electricity. And electricity and water are a dangerous combination.

8. Learn CPR. The CDC says that in the time it might take for paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could make a difference in someone’s life. CPR performed by bystanders has been shown to improve outcomes in drowning victims.

9. Have water fun near the lifeguard that is on-duty. The chance of drowning at a beach without lifeguards is nearly five times as great as drowning at a beach with lifeguards.

10. When at the beach, ask the lifeguard about beach conditions before swimming with your little ones.

11. Broken glass and bare feet don't mix so don’t bring glass containers.

12. Watch out for the "Terrible Too's" - too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun. If your little one is any of these, it is time to take a break.

13. HAVE LOTS OF FUN.

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