Swimming is one thing that most kids are good at. Young babies, even newborns have a natural ability to swim when put in water. Besides that, children love water. Even the ones who can t swim, love to splash about and spray water all over. This is why kiddie pools are such a hit and must have for every child. If your child is old enough to swim and you are keen on her to start swimming, which is a great way to exercise and use all the toddler energy, then don t just put your daughter in the water just because she seems like a pro in the water. Make sure you take all the necessary safety measures before your child gets into the pool.
Proper gear: Of course, for someone just starting off to swim, you need a proper floatie or swimming ring and chest and arm protection to keep the child buoyant. For very young children, use a sitting floatie that has leg holes and keeps most of the child s body above water. Apart from that, you also need swim goggles and and a swimming cap.
Check the pool yourself: Just because it is a kiddie pool does not mean it is safe for your child. Different kiddie pools have different water levels, and some are attached to the adults pool too. Make sure the pool you are considering is safe and has lifeguards at station. If not, then you or some responsible adult needs to be in the pool with the child.
Sunscreen and bathing suit: Protecting your child s skin and hair when in the pool is also important. The chlorine in the pool can harm sensitive skin and hair. Also, if it s an open pool, you need to save your child from the harsh sun. Use a good, child-safe sunscreen and bathing suit that gives maximum coverage when swimming in the pool under the sun. Even otherwise, use a good water-resistant moisturiser to keep your child s skin safe. Use appropriate bathing suit too.
Talk to the child: Most importantly, talk to your child and instruct her on how to be safe. If you are going to take her in the pool, tell her that she needs to listen to you and do as you ask her to. If she is going to be using a swimming ring or floatie, then tell her that she is not to leave it anytime. My daughter loves being independent and swimming the way she wants in the pool, but she knows the precautions she needs to take. Even when she wants to jump in the pool from the diving board, she knows that she has to keep holding the swimming ring around her.
Educate yourself on dry drowning: Also called 'secondary drowning' is when a little amount of water enters through the mouth or noise, gets into the airway, making the muscles spasm and breathing difficult. In some cases, the water may also enter the lungs and cause it to swell. Keep your child's head over water all the times and do not allow too much of violent splashing.
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