Klimswim Water Safety Tips
As Australians we have a very strong culture with water and we are lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers and with summer fast approaching it is important to ensure parents and children alike are safe and sensible around water. Here are a few of my tips tips to ensure the best summer possible for you and your family.
1. Enrol your children in year-round swimming lessons
Nothing beats having water confidence and knowledge. At Klim Swim in Richmond, Victoria we run a water safety lesson at the end of each term. We also ensure our instructors are incorporating water safety skills such as treading water, survival strokes and floating in their weekly lessons.
2. Practice makes Perfect Preparation
Spend some time at the local pool practicing survival skills!
- Basic Survival Skills
- Treading Water
- Jump and returns
- Floating
- Doggy Paddle
3. It is never too late to start learning to swim
There is no age restriction when learning to swim. Getting your child in the water earlier is best. However, children can start at any age! Lessons are not just for children enrol in adult classes to learn basic survival skills for yourself. Not only is it fun but swimming is an important skill for life.
4. Swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach
Always swim at patrolled beaches and read the beach safety signs so you are aware of the water conditions. Instil this in your children early so they follow these recommendations when they are older and swimming with friends.
5. Protect yourself from the sun & stay hydrated!
- Slip on protective clothing
- Slop on some sunscreen. Milk and Co’s ‘Protect Me’ sunscreen is SFP 30+ and water resistant for up to 4 hours
- Slap on a hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on some sunglasses
6. Always be within arms’ reach
When your family is in, on or around water. You should be close enough to respond quickly. Ensure you and your children are within a safe and comfortable depth in the water.
7. Don’t use floatation devices as a substitute for supervision
Ensure you are actively supervising and focusing on your children in the water. Make sure you are not distracted by your mobile phone, other people or surroundings.
8. Learn CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation)
Enrol today, a 4-hour course may save your child’s life. Keep your qualification updated every 12 months.
9. Be water safe at home
Even small vessels of water can be hazardous for young children. Remember to empty items that may not seem harmful when not being used such as buckets, ‘eskys’, inflatable pools, water tanks and the bath.
10. Home pools
Ensure all fencing is working properly, and never prop the pool gate open. Don’t leave toys in the water that may attract children to the pool or pool area.
11. Teach your child how to ask for help in the water
The signal for help is to raise your hand – open hand up in the air (Try not to wave it around) and use a loud voice to call for “Help”.
Visit Klimswim.com to learn how to swim no matter what age.