Water Safety, Starting Early
Pool season is officially here! With summer now in full swing and water activities starting up, it is a good time to review hot weather safety tips for the whole family. And while we’re talking summer fun, why not dive into a few easy crafts, like bubble snake blowers, to fill the school-free days.
5 tips for Safe Swimming
Review the 5 tips for keeping your kids safe around water from Pool Safely.
- Start swim lessons. Search for locations near you that offer low-cost options or scholarship options like this one. This is a life-saving skill to have and an important opportunity for children of all ages.
- Never leave children unattended. It is a good idea to designate a “water-watcher” or someone whose only task is watching the pool with no distractions.
- Always check to make sure there is a safety-compliant drain cover in spas and shallow pools. Even if there is a properly covered drain, do not play or swim near it as they may catch clothing items, jewelry and hair.
- Install the proper barriers and alarms if you have a pool or spa at your home. The water should be accessible by one self-closing and self-latching gate. You may also install an alarm to notify you anytime the gate is open.
- Get CPR certified. Classes may be offered by local community centers, hospitals, and the American Red Cross.
You may also consider downloading the free Adventures of Splish and Splash app for kids featuring games that teach them how to stay safe in the water.
Even when playing in the water it is important to consider how much water you and your little ones are consuming. When playing outside in the sun for a long time, hydration is key! Sesame Street friends Elmo, Abby, and Cookie Monster have the perfect song about the importance of hydrating to stay cool.
Safe Summer Play
A bubble snake blower is for kids of all ages. The littlest ones can crush the bubbles, the work of making bubbles can help toddlers in their speech development, and older ones will enjoy
challenging one another to make the biggest snake! It is a great combination of science and fun and all you need is:
- A clean empty plastic bottle
- An elastic band
- A piece of old towel or a flannel
- Liquid soap
- Bowl
If you think this one sounds fun, find 100 simple, inexpensive activities for summer fun for toddlers to 10 year olds from Happy Hooligans or cool down with an indoor science activity, fort building, and fruit-kebob snacks!