During summer, families spend their time in the swimming pool or beach to beat the summer heat. It also increases the Vitamin D levels in their body. However, some risks are associated with swimming or even spending time in the water, like drowning. Hence families with children and individuals who are planning to spend time in water activities should be aware of the potential dangers of swimming, diving, and related activities. In addition, information on avoiding the risks should be provided.
Dry' Drowning, Drowning
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the primary cause of death for children below fourteen. Typically three deaths of children are reported daily. Hence parents should take all precautions to prevent drowning, monitoring their child in the swimming pool. They should learn how to perform CPR and get the certification if possible. Parents should also be aware that the child’s life may be in danger even after the child has left the water due to “dry drowning.” It is because the children may inhale some water while swimming. While this water in the lungs may not cause any problem when the children are in the water, it can cause breathing difficulties and even death after they leave the water. So of the symptoms of water inhalation are fatigue, coughing, and irritability. It is advisable to get medical attention immediately for any person who is showing signs of water inhalation. Other precautions which a person spending time in the water should take are listed below.
Water safety and water quality
While swimming in the sea, ocean, lake, or pond, the swimmer should ensure that he does not have any wounds on his skin, he does not drink or inhale the water. Bacteria that damage body and brain tissues are some of the many bacteria present in the water and can cause serious health problems. It is advisable to have a bath to wash away the contaminants. Similarly pools, hot tubs have chemicals harmful to the skin, especially for individuals who are suffering from asthma.
Water Speed
One of the significant problems of swimming in the sea, ocean, river, or lake is that there may be high-speed waves and currents that will push or pull the swimmer underwater, disorienting the swimmer and increasing the risk of drowning. So it is advisable to supervise children who are weak and have less experience swimming to prevent accidents.
No Supervision
Adults attending an indigent party with many parents, children are easily distracted, and some of them may not monitor the swimming pool where their children are playing. Hence, parents should rotate the task of watching the swimming pool to observe the children adequately throughout the party. It will help in preventing accidents.
Faulty Flotation Toys
Though most parents believe that using flotation toys like rafts will keep them safe, they should be aware that these devices may start leaking at any time, and the life of the child will be at risk. The toy should at least have a collar for supporting the head. Though the child may use these safety flotation devices, they should monitor them when in water. The child should also be sent for swimming classes.
Children's Pools
Though children are enjoying playing in the inflatable pools, bacteria also flourish in these pools. Usually, tap water is used in pools is not treated with chemicals, so bacteria multiply quickly in the warm water. Therefore, the pool should be emptied after it is used and stored top down to prevent the accumulation of rainwater. It is also advisable to monitor the children to prevent drowning incidents.
Barriers to prevent access
Suppose it is easy for the children to access the swimming pools, the danger to their safety increases. Ideally, some gate or barrier should be installed to prevent the children from accessing the collection. In addition, in homes with an above-ground pool, the attached ladder should be moved away from the pool when it is not being used so that children do not use it when there are no adults to supervise them. This reduces the possibility of accidents to a great extent.
Conclusion
Though swimming is one of the best ways to remain calm during summer, if parents are careless, accidents can occur. Hence parents should educate themselves on water safety, taking the precautions necessary.
