Sierra Nevada Children's Services

Like many decisions you make for your child, there is no textbook answer. You know your child best and you must decide when your child is mature enough to learn to swim. As general guidelines, the American Red Cross recommends starting your child in learn to swim classes somewhere between the ages of four to six.

However, while your child is developing his or her likes and dislikes, make sure that you expose your child to water in a safe, fun manner. Parent and child classes include registrants as young as six months. These classes are not designed to teach your child how to swim or even to survive in the water on their own. They do give you information and techniques to help lay the foundation for future swimming lessons. Just as importantly, they are an enjoyable time for you and your child to bond while in the safe constraints of a local facility.

Remember that while your child is still learning to swim that you must be within arm’s reach of him or her at ALL times.

WHAT WATER TOYS ARE SAFE?

By Greg Stockton

While water toys such as water wings and inner tubes are fun accessories to bring to the beach or pool, the only truly safe water accessory is a personal flotation device (PFD) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (check for the Coast Guard stamp).

Water wings and inflatable toys are great fun but they are just that, toys. These items may provide a false sense of security and should not be relied upon for safety. It’s vital that parents and caregivers know the difference between toys and proper safety gear.

Kids—and adults—who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should wear US Coast Guard-approved PFD whenever they are in or around the water. Each person should have the appropriate PFD for his or her weight, which is found clearly marked in the Coast Guard stamp.

If your child doesn’t like to wear their PFD, take them on a shopping trip where they can pick out their own PFD. Including them in the decision will allow for a better fit and ensure that they’re happy to wear a PFD at all times in or on the water.

No matter what a child is wearing and no matter what flotation items are at hand, he or she should never be left unattended in or around the water. Parents should always practice “reach supervision” which means that he or she is within arm’s length of the child at all times.

HOW LONG AFTER EATING CAN I GO BACK IN THE WATER?

By Mike Espino

Despite what mom always told you, there is no specific time you must wait before heading back into the water. Instead the rule of thumb is to use common sense about swimming and eating. Before beginning any strenuous activity after eating, including swimming, you should feel comfortable, not sluggish or tired.

Going back in before your body has properly digested your meal—and the emphasis here is on “your” since this is an individual variable—could make you susceptible to cramping or exhaustion, both of which interfere with your ability to swim and stay safe in the water.

Also make sure that you stay well hydrated while having fun in the summer sun. Dehydration is dangerous and can lead to cramps and/or fatigue. Drink lots of water and avoid alcoholic and/or caffeinated beverages.

HOW DO I MAKE MY HOME POOL SAFE?

By Greg Stockton

Make sure that your pool is surrounded on all sides by a fence that is at least 4 feet high. It should not provide any footholds, which would allow a child to climb over, or spacing to climb through. The fence should have a self-closing, self-locking gate that is locked when the pool is not in use. A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a nylon line attached are all recommended poolside items.

First aid kits, like the Good Housekeeping approved kit from the American Red Cross, should contain plastic face shields, which can help prevent disease transmission. Cordless phones allow you to make that 9- 1-1 call and to receive calls without leaving the area. These items, coupled with a pool emergency action plan that is similar to a fire emergency plan, ensure that the entire family is prepared.

Some rules to consider for your pool include:

No one swims alone – even adults.
One adult should always have 100 percent of their attention directed on the pool when children are swimming or in the pool area. It’s helpful if adults take turns paying attention and if all adults are trained in first aid and CPR.
Diving is outlawed in home pools – they are far too shallow.
Glass containers are also outlawed at or around a home pool.
There should be set pool breaks where all swimmers hop out, reapply sunscreen, drink water, and just take a break. This allows the adults surveying the pool to ensure that everyone is in good spirits and not suffering from heat exhaustion, sunburn or fatigue.

HOW DO I PLAN FOR A POOL PARTY?

By Mike Espino

While a pool party is a great way to socialize with friends and family under the summer sun, don’t neglect a few key rules when planning the party:

Make sure that parents or caretakers of all invited guests are aware that the party is a pool party.

If possible, have a lifeguard on duty. Contact the local parks and recreation department or local swimming pools to get names of American Red Cross-trained lifeguards who are willing to guard at private parties. It is the host’s responsibility to interview and hire individuals and provide appropriate rescue equipment.

If not hiring a lifeguard, identify or appoint responsible adults to supervise the pool when it is being used. These individuals must understand and accept responsibility for monitoring the pool and should be trained in CPR, first aid and water safety.

Establish rules for safety such as:

Prohibiting all dives into shallow water.
Walking – no running on the deck.
Not permitting glass in the pool area.
If the swimming portion of the party goes for more than an hour, set rest breaks. This allows guests the opportunity to rest and warm up and provides a break for the lifeguard or water-watcher.
Do not serve alcoholic beverages to guests who are or will be participating in water activities.
Maintain cleanliness of water. Water should be chemically treated and tested regularly.
Check with the homeowner’s insurance company to determine the limits of coverage. Additional coverage for the event may be required.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

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