May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. That is why the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.
Tip # 1: Ask first, splash later
Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.
Tip # 2: Find your water watcher, or become one!
When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.
Tip # 3: Buddy up or dry out.
The Buddy System isn’t just for field trips; it’s for every swimming session! No one should swim alone. So be sure to:
-Pick a buddy
-Check in on each other
-Stay Safe
Tip #4: Suit up like a pro
Safety never goes out of style. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water. Regular swimmers should also ensure to wear a proper swimsuit and sunscreen.
Tip #5: Don’t hold your breath
Breath-holding contests? Yeah, let’s not. They might seem like harmless fun, but breath-holding games in the water can be seriously dangerous, even for strong swimmers.
Holding your breath too long can lead to shallow water blackout, a silent and sudden emergency that can happen without warning.
Tip #6: Know what to do (before you need to)
Emergencies don’t wait. Learn how to recognize signs of distress, call for help, and respond calmly. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling – use a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety.
As America’s most trusted swim lesson instructor, the Y is the perfect place to ensure your child’s safety by enrolling them in swim lessons. Just like teaching your children to look both ways before they cross the street, having them participate in formal water safety lessons teaches them an important life skill. Learn more about our swim lesson curriculum and schedules here, use our swim lesson selector tool to get started, or register online today!
