Learning to swim is an essential skill that every child should know. At the very least, they need to know basic water survival skills. However, not all youngsters learn at the same pace or are ready for lessons at the same age of their peers. Parents need to be aware of those variables before trying to force their child into swimming lessons.

Infant Classes

Despite what many people claim, there’s currently no data that indicates children one year and younger have the ability to learn to swim, nor does it reduce the risk of drowning. Babies don’t have the ability to raise their head out of the water well enough to breathe. Many infants demonstrate rudimentary reflex actions similar to swimming, but it’s not actual swimming. Water play classes can be a good way to introduce babies to water, help them feel comfortable in the water, and it can be fun for parents and babies.

Ages 1 to 4

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children ages 1-4 begin learning water survival training skills that include floating, treading water, and how to find an exit point. It’s the first step toward learning how to actually swim and the classes are designed to help reduce the risk of drowning. Choose classes in which parents and children both participate.

Ages 4 and Up

Most children will be ready for actual swim lessons at the age of four. They have the physical ability and can follow instructions. Youngsters can learn survival skills if they haven’t already and by the age of 5 or 6, most children can learn the front crawl.

Caution

It’s critical that parents understand that swimming classes don’t make a child drown-proof. Every precaution should be taken to prevent children from gaining access to ponds, kiddie pools and other bodies of water, even if they’ve taken a swim class.

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Florida takes pool safety seriously and anyone considering the installation of a pool should know they’ll be required to install measures that meet specific safety standards to prevent drowning. Those methods are more than a regulation – they’re an effective way to save lives.

Whenever people are spending more time at home, there will be more pool usage and that increases the risk of drowning. The previous year is an excellent example of that. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread and initiated lockdowns and quarantines, pool usage rose. The death toll in 2020 increased by 70 percent over the previous year according to the non-profit organization Water Smart Tots.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of 1-4. Toddlers are masters of quick disappearances and it only takes a few seconds for a child to drown if they can access a swimming pool. They’re naturally curious and some pool covers aren’t designed to prevent a child from falling through into the water. Pools are also a safety risk for seniors and those with disabilities.

Florida defines a pool as any structure that’s 24 in. deep and requires that pools install at least one safety feature. That can be a fence that meets specific regulations, a pool cover that adheres to standards established by the American Society of Testing and Materials, a self-locking gate that accesses the pool, or an exit alarm for every door and window from which the pool can be accessed.

A fence is the best option to save lives. Those that choose a fence have a myriad of options from which to choose. A pool fence can be installed to create a barrier so that curious toddlers can be safe. Pool fences offer peace of mind to parents with small children and pets. 

It only takes a moment for a child to drown in a pool. Elderly adults and those with a disability are also at risk, even if they know how to swim. Safety measures encompass multiple methods and there’s a solution to accommodate every budget.

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A backyard pool is one of the first things that people think of in connection with drowning prevention, but it’s far from the only danger. There’s a multitude of water-related hazards around the home that aren’t even on the radar of most people. The majority of threats affect children, but the elderly and disabled are also at increased risk. Even skilled swimmers can drown.

As little as .067 ounces of water per pound of body weight entering the lungs can result in death. It occurs when the liquid enters the voice box, causing it to spasm and close. It’s a situation that can occur several hours after an individual is originally affected. The following are some essential tips to minimize the potential for drowning.

Never Leave Children Unattended

Youngsters should always be within arm’s reach of an adult anytime they’re near water. Drowning is the primary preventable cause of death for children ages 1-4 from pools, ponds, lakes, and even small streams.

Know how to Swim

Teaching children to swim is one of the best ways to prevent drowning. That doesn’t mean that adults should relax their vigilance.

Eliminate Distractions

Everyone should put away their phones when they’re around water. It only takes a moment’s distraction for disaster to strike. The tip applies to adults watching children and for the safety of adults themselves. Alcohol is also a distraction that should be avoided.

Water Containers

All tubs, buckets and kiddie pools should be emptied as soon as they’re no longer being used. Children less than a year old can drown at home from water left in a bucket.

Install Fences

Every pool and hot tub should be encircled by a fence at least four feet in height to prevent an accident, along with a gate that locks automatically. It’s also helpful to install an alarm that will alert individuals should the gate be opened.

Toilets

Children can and do drown in toilets. They’re fascinated by the water and if they lean far enough, they can tip over into the toilet with no ability to right themselves. Toilet seat locks are available and it’s a good idea to keep bathroom doors closed.

Know CPR

CPR is a skill that everyone should know, along with how to respond to various types of emergencies. Always keep a fully stocked first aid kit on hand at home, along with a shepherd’s crook or life ring with a rope if there’s a pool. It’s always better to be “over-prepared” than risk a life.

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