5. Don’t Count on Water Wings to Keep Kids Safe
Parents need to know that lots of products pitched as aids for kids in the water really won’t help, says Gary Smith, MD, DrPH, the director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
“Water wings and pool noodles are toys — not drowning prevention devices,” Smith says. Especially in the ocean, the wind and current can carry kids offshore or lure them into deeper water to chase a toy that got away.
“Floatable toys should be used by those who are capable to be in areas of the water safely without them,” Ramos adds.
6. Follow Any Posted Water Safety Rules
Signs at most public pools and beaches will point you to designated swimming areas and warn you about specific dangers, whether it’s a pool too shallow for diving or an ocean beach with strong currents or riptides, says Ramos.
These posted rules are meant to be followed even when there’s no lifeguard on duty; they’re in place to prevent injuries. And don’t enter the water during hours when pools or beaches are closed or after dark, Smith adds.
7. Don’t Dive — It’s Not Worth the Risk of Serious Injury
Even if this rule isn’t clearly posted on any signs, don’t enter the water headfirst, even if you think you know the area, Ramos says. The risk of head, neck, and spinal cord injuries is just too great, and it’s always safer to jump in feet first or just walk into the water if that’s an option.
“In the case of open water spaces, with currents and tides, the bottom will not be the same as the last time you used it,” Ramos says.
8. Appoint a Water Watcher
This is a good idea all the time, but especially when there’s no lifeguard working. Appoint an adult to stay out of the water on the beach or the pool deck, keeping a close eye on everyone who is swimming at all times.
“A water watcher has one job: Watch the swimmers,” Fisher says. That means no phone, no alcohol, no side conversations, and no distractions until another responsible adult takes over.”
“For young children and weak swimmers, supervision means being within arm’s reach,” he adds. “Not nearby, not across the pool, but close enough to respond immediately.”
Water watchers can take turns, but when they’re on duty, watching is supposed to be their only focus. “Although it may seem extreme for adults, the water watcher concept is still the best plan,” Ramos notes.
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