Supervision is key
Kids must be watched at all times when they are around the pool. Young kids are at most risk because they can drown in less than 2 inches of water in as fast as 30 seconds. Even if the child knows how to swim, it does not guarantee 100% against drowning or related injuries. They might slip on the deck and hit their head, lose consciousness, fall in and drown. For those still learning how to swim, an adult or more experienced swimmer must be within arm’s reach. Remember: flotation devices are not replacements for supervision.
Invest in swimming lessons
Learning how to swim is important whether for yourself or for your child. Kids can start learning as young as 1 year old and there are lessons that are open for both parent and child.
Learn CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a useful technique in many emergency situations. It definitely falls under the scope of what is swimming pool safety. If you don’t know how to give CPR, perform the hands-only variant: give 100 to 120 chest compressions a minute until the medics arrive. But if you’ve had training, check for a pulse and breath. If you don’t detect any, start chest compressions. Give 30 before giving two rescue breaths, then resume compressions repeating the cycle until pulse and breath return or when professional help arrives.
Young kids and babies – except for newborns – can benefit from CPR. This first-aid keeps oxygen-carrying blood to the brain and other organs until medical professionals can take over. Without the heart pumping blood, oxygen stops reaching the brain and results in permanent damage.
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