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May is water safety month. As we head into summer, our families will be swimming more than ever in our beautiful Long Island Beaches and in our pools or friends' pools.
My kids love our pool and the beach, like so many other kids. We are all eager to get out there and have a somewhat normal summer again. In our haste let's not forget about water safety, which really is something to keep in mind all year long.
Your kids have done a variety of extracurricular activities. But have they done one that could save their life?
Here are 7 tips to ensure a fun but safe summer!
1. Become Water Smart
Learning how to swim is only part of the scenario. Learning how to be water smart is very important for kids. If they fall into the water, do they know how to get themselves out? Or how to prevent themselves from falling in to begin with. Learning how to behave near water, even just a bathtub, is a critical first step into learning how to become water-smart.
2. Never leave a child unattended near water
This includes a bathtub, pool, kiddie pool, or any water that is even 1" deep. If there are several adults and children, it can be easy to get caught up in socializing. Designate an adult specifically tasked with watching the kids to ensure a responsible eye is being kept at all times. If there is a lifeguard, parents should still watch their children in and near the water. The lifeguard may not be able to see every single person at every moment.
3. Learn How To Swim
Learning how to swim is fun but also a very important life skill. At Goldfish Swim School in Centereach, they start as young as 4 months old. They teach all ages and skill levels. You can even test out your child's swim assessment on their website to find the class that best suits them. Their swim instructors undergo an extensive hiring process and comprehensive training period. In addition, They always keep our classes small and ensure a max student-to-teacher ratio of 4:1.
4. Install proper barriers around your swimming pool
Fences, locks, and covers are all great ideas on how to keep children out of the pool when they should not be in there or to keep anyone or anything out. The best type of fence is at least 4 feet tall, self-closing, self-latching, and not climbable for children.
5. Learn how to perform CPR on infants, children and adults
Learning CPR can help save a life. You can find CPR classes by contacting the American Red Cross or contacting local hospitals or community centers.
6. Use a proper safety device
If you are out on a boat or in a similar situation where your child would not be able to touch the bottom and cannot swim yet, using a proper flotation device is best. A life vest is highly recommended, even if your child is comfortable in the water.
7. Keep track of the weather
While summer raindrops may not be harmful, keep track of the weather, especially any thunderstorms. At first warning, get out of the water immediately during a thunderstorm and do not return until it has passed.
About Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish Swim School believes that your child deserves to have an incredible swimming experience in the safest and most fun environment possible. Their swimming lessons are specially designed to make learning fun through guided play for beginners from 4 months to 12 years old, including infant swim lessons, toddler swim lessons and more. They’re committed to helping children make waves in life through award-winning swim lessons that offer experienced guidance in swim techniques as well as important information about water safety.
Goldfish Swim School
Location: 141 Centereach Mall, Centereach, NY 11720
Phone #: 631-239-7946
