Swimming is a fun activity, for both adults and children. Most of your childhood memories probably involved water. Whether that’s an inflatable pool, the beach or a waterfall. But some of you may also remember weekends and public holidays at the local public pool. If you’re a parent and thinking of taking your own kids out for a swim for the first time, then you may be looking for some pointers. Whether it’s a public pool or a privately owned one, here are some swimming dos and don’ts that you should follow anytime you bring your children for a dip.
Dos
Get Them to Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must while swimming, especially if it’s an outdoor pool. Water does not give any protection against the sun, even if you’re submerged. However, your kids may not need to if they’re swimming in an indoor one. But sunscreen in general should be applied anytime you’re going out. Especially for children. It not only prevents sunburns but also more serious conditions like skin cancer. Another thing to note is that while some pools may appear to be indoors, they may have glass-panelled roofs and large open windows. Which will let in some sunlight. So, you will end up needing to put sunscreen on your kids.
Use the Designated Kids’ Pool
It’s important to only let your kids swim in the shallow children’s pool. These usually contain enough water to come up to the chest and no more—reducing the chances of drowning. There is still a small chance, however, since it’s entirely still possible for a child to submerge themselves underwater. But the adult pools are strictly off-limits. These are much deeper and may pose a greater danger to kids. Some of your swimmer kids may not enjoy the kiddie pool as it won’t technically let them swim around that much, but here’s where your parenting will be put to the test. If it makes your job easier, get them some water toys or pool floaties.
Get Them Proper Swimwear
Some swimming pools have strict dress codes. And this isn’t just to maintain a family-friendly environment. Some types of fabric like cotton for instance can leave fibres in the water which end up blocking the pool filters. Not to mention they are extremely cumbersome to swim in. So, when choosing the appropriate swimwear for your kids, lycra, nylon and other water-resistant material are usually your safest bet. And make sure you get a pair for yourself as well, especially if you’re going to be supervising them nearby. You may even end up joining them in the water.
Join Them in the Pool
A little ‘me time’ spent with a good book or your phone while your kids entertain themselves might seem tempting at times. But this means that there are no grown-ups watching your kids. So, the best way to prevent this is to just plop right in with them whenever possible. Think of it as extended bonding time with your little ones.
Don’ts
Leave them Unsupervised
This should go without saying, but leaving children in the water along is a big no-no. Even if there’s a lifeguard nearby (and mind you, not all public pools have them), your child can still drown. Depending on how old they are, small children should always be accompanied by an adult, even if they can swim. You never know what may happen out in the water, even with dozens of people nearby.
Let Them Eat Too Much Before Swimming
Of course, you shouldn’t starve your kids before a swim. But at the minimum, wait 30 minutes or even an hour after a big meal. You should generally let all that food digest a bit first. Otherwise, they may feel a bit nauseous as we often do if we move around too much after a heavy meal.
Let Them Run Around
The swimming pool is a dangerous place for several obvious reasons. Puddles of water and wet slippery floors being two of them. So, you should definitely watch where you step when you walk around the swimming areas where people may have recently gotten out. Get some nice, sturdy, anti-slip flip-flops for your kids. Normal people still slip on wet floors even when walking normally, so imagine what would happen if you’re running around? You could easily slip on a puddle left behind by as swimmer and hit your head. Big no-no!
Let Them Dive Headfirst
Head-diving is when you enter the water with your head instead of your feet. It’s usually only performed for rescue missions or athletic stunts. However, unless your kids are trained swimmers, this move should be avoided, especially when a kiddie pool is involved. Shallow waters don’t give much space for head-dives and even in adult pools, head-dives should only be performed by seasoned swimmers. Other than the risk of head injuries, you could also risk spilling water all over the edges of the swimming pool, creating more slipping hazards.
Just Keep Swimming
Splashing around in a shallow pool can be fun for many kids. But sooner or later as your kids start getting too big for the kiddie pool, they may want to try out the grown-up pool. This can be a huge step-up from where they originally started, so it’s important not to rush into it. Always supervise them when playing in the adult pool. While you’re at it, signing them up for some swimming lessons couldn’t hurt. Especially if you know you’ll have one less thing to worry about the next time you take them out to the pool.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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