Did you know that infants can learn how to swim as early as six months old? This early exposure to water highlights the importance of infant water safety training to safeguard their well-being in aquatic environments, whether it’s a swimming pool or bathtub.
As infants are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of water, parents and caregivers need to be well-informed about the necessary precautions and safety measures. Here are 7 tips that you need to know about water safety for infants and young children.
7 Infant Water Safety Training & Tips
Tip 1: Constant Supervision
Ensuring constant supervision of infants around water is paramount to their safety. Infants should never be left unattended in a bathtub or a pool. Their limited swimming abilities and lack of flotation devices make them particularly vulnerable to drowning, and accidents can occur within seconds.
Responsible adults, such as parents and caregivers, must remain within arm’s reach of the infant whenever they are in or around water. This close supervision is essential to prevent accidents and ensure the safety and well-being of infants in aquatic environments.
Tip 2: Use of Infant Floatation Devices
When infants are in or near water, it’s essential to equip them with approved flotation devices like life jackets or flotation suits tailored for infants. These specialized devices are crafted to keep infants buoyant and offer an additional layer of safety, should they inadvertently enter the water.
While floatation devices mitigate the risk of drowning, parents and caregivers must maintain vigilant supervision alongside their use. Even with the added protection of floaties, constant supervision ensures the highest level of safety for infants in aquatic settings.
We highly recommend a US Coast Guard-approved device as opposed to a puddle jumper or wings.
Tip 3: Secure Pool Fences and Alarms
Pool fences and alarms are crucial safety measures to prevent unsupervised access to swimming pools, making them indispensable for families with easily accessible pools. To effectively secure a swimming pool, consider installing pool fences that meet specific criteria: they should be at least 4 feet high and equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates.
Additionally, alarms installed on doors, windows, and pool gates can provide an extra layer of security by promptly alerting adults if a child enters the pool area unsupervised. These precautions are essential for maintaining a safe environment around the pool and preventing accidents or incidents.
Tip 4: CPR Lessons for Caregivers
Caregivers, including parents, family members, and babysitters, should prioritize acquiring CPR training tailored for children and infants to effectively respond to water-related emergencies like drowning. Mastering basic swimming techniques is also essential, enabling caregivers to confidently assist and safeguard their children in water environments.
Additionally, caregivers must familiarize themselves with essential water safety practices, equipping them with the knowledge and readiness to prevent hazards and respond promptly to emergencies.
Tip 5: Sun Protection
While not directly related to water, sun protection also falls under infant water safety because infants have delicate skin highly susceptible to sunburn. Since most swimming activities happen outdoors, prolonged sun exposure is a health risk that can lead to skin cancer and heatstroke.
Caregivers should dress infants in sun-protective clothing, use sunscreen with a high SPF, and provide adequate shade when near water. Hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas can offer added protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Tip 6: Temperature Regulation
Whether in a bathtub or pool, maintaining the appropriate water temperature is important for infant water safety. Extremely hot water can result in burns, while extremely cold water can lead to hypothermia.
Infants are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so the water should be at a comfortable temperature —not too hot or too cold. Before the child enters the water, test the temperature with a thermometer or gauge the temperature yourself with your hand.
Tip 7: Educate and Raise Awareness
Education about infant water safety can significantly reduce the risk of water-related incidents involving infants and young children. Through educational campaigns, workshops, and infographics, knowledge and awareness of infant water safety can easily be gained, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for infants.
Why You Should Enroll Your Child in Infant Water Safety Class
Formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. By starting early, your child can become accustomed to the water and develop a sense of confidence and comfort in bodies of water, rather than a sense of fear. Learning how to safely navigate water also reduces the risk of drowning and other water-related accidents.
At the same time, water safety for children aids in the development of motor skills, improving their balance and coordination. Water safety also promotes psychosocial development, encouraging your infant to be comfortable around others and providing opportunities for parent-child bonding.
If you want to give your child the best chance of staying safe around water, enroll them at Bear Paddle and learn the necessary steps to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for your child in and around water.