Summer and water go hand in hand, especially for children! Whether you’re taking your family to the pool, lake, ocean, or even your backyard, water safety is key to protecting your little ones this summer. Consider these water safety tips for young children as you begin preparing for the arrival of summer:
Keep Children Warm (But Not Too Hot)
If you are bringing a baby or young child near the water, take a few extra precautions to keep your child’s temperature regulated. UV-protective clothes help protect children from sun exposure and block heat from the sun’s rays. Wet clothing increases the body’s heat loss by five to ten times. If your children seem cold or are shivering, wrap them tightly in a dry blanket or towel. Heat exhaustion can also hit children if they have excessive sun exposure or are under-hydrated. Look for fatigue, thirst, and listlessness. Bring along an umbrella to protect your family from direct sun, and consider a beach or pool visit in the early morning rather than later in the day.
Prioritize Water Safety
Parents usually instill a healthy respect for safety in their children when it comes to vehicles, strangers, or busy roads. The same care applies when it comes to water safety. Children should know that it’s important to prioritize safety and follow guidelines set by trusted adults. Be clear and firm about water-related rules. You may ask your child to never enter any water, no matter the depth, without verbally notifying an adult and receiving a positive verbal response from that adult. Young children should always be accompanied by a watching adult when in the water. It’s essential to build in nonnegotiable safety rules to keep everyone safe and having fun!
Invest in Early Swim Lessons
Even infants six months of age can be taught to flip onto their backs in the water, allowing them to access air if they accidentally fall in. Water education and swim lessons are an incredibly important investment in water safety, even (and especially) if you don’t plan on being near the water often. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently recommended that children begin swimming lessons at one year old, three years younger than their previous recommendation.
Keeping Children Safe Every Day
The Gardner School takes child safety seriously. That’s why we design our learning and play spaces to foster safe exploration and discovery. Students at The Gardner School experience learning firsthand. To learn why parents choose us to help their children grow and explore, contact us to schedule a tour. You’ll quickly see why parents love The Gardner School for providing a safe and adventurous learning environment for their children.
