Summer Swimming Safety Tips for Your Children

Summer is coming, which means hot days and kids wanting to swim. Water can be dangerous, so it's important to teach your children to respect swimming and to avoid accidents.

Unfortunately, watching news programs through the summer bring the same run of stories each year, with children drowning, or being hurt in a swimming related accident. Do your best to ensure you won't be a statistic on the evening news.

Here are some tips on keeping your kids safe and still giving them the opportunity to make the most out of their swimming experience!

1.Enroll your kids in swimming lessons. Make sure they learn from a trained professional how to swim. A good swimming program will also teach them how to act if they find they are in an uncomfortable spot in the pool or at the beach. Teach your kids the right way to know water safety.

2.Never leave a child unattended. Accidents happen, but leaving a child unattended, even one that is a good swimmer, is an accident waiting to happen. Even if there is a lifeguard present, it's nearly impossible for him or her to keep an eye on everyone at the same time, and a swimming accident can happen in a split second.

3.Swim with your children. What a better way to keep an eye on them? It's going to be hot, so hop in and cool off with your kids!

4.No diving in shallow water. Generally speaking, there should be no diving in water that is less than 9 feet deep. Diving in head first into a shallow pool is dangerous and can cause severe injury or even death. Make sure your kids are aware of how deep the water is!

5.Make sure you lock the gates to the pool. Children can and will wander. If you have a pool at home, keep the gate locked to ensure your child doesn't wander in unexpectedly and fall into the pool. Keep an eye on your kids as they play outside around the pool area.

6.Look for a bright bathing suit! If you're in a popular swimming pool or beach, there are hundreds of kids wearing the latest, greatest bathing suit style. Be different, it'll be easier to spot your child amongst the others. Look for something bright or with an unusual pattern to make it easier to see your children if you decide to hang out on the beach.

It doesn't take much to ensure the safety of our children! These are simple steps but one that can help avoid an accident that every parent dreads. Keep your children safe this summer and have fun!