Swim safety

As summer approaches and pools begin to open up, it is so important to teach young ones the ins and outs of pool safety. As a lifeguard and swim instructor, I see the difference between those who know how to be safe in a pool and those who don't first hand. And sadly the results of the latter is terrifying.

To help prevent this, I like to implement self rescue techniques and a safety talk to my lesson plans.

This is what I teach my students who are learning to swim:

• Teaching them to roll over to their back and float face up

For this, the start of face down on a front float. Have them turn their heads starting by looking directly below them, then at their shoulder, then up at the sky. Support them by helping them slowly flip over and find their float. (Some people float easiest like a starfish and others float better with their knees bent. Try having them move around until they find their back float)

• Teaching them how to recover from falling in

Have your child either sit or stand on the edge of the pool. Tell them that when the fall into a pool the closest wall is going to be behind them. Have them jump or slide in and help them turn around and reach up for the wall.

Another variation to this is if they are either unable to climb out on their own or can't reach the wall for any reason, have them roll over and float. It's easiest if the float on their stomach first before trying to roll over as this brings the legs up to the surface and allows them to find their back float more easily. From here have them practice calling for help while floating.

• Climbing out of the pool

Believe it or not, most people don't know the most efficient way of climbing out of the pool. First put your arms and elbows up on the wall. Then pull yourself up so you are laying on your stomach. Then proceeded to pull up each leg bending at the knee and using the knees to pull the rest of the way out of the water. Practice this as well as hand walking around the pool to the steps and climbing out that way.

• Safety talk

I like to point out the most dangerous and the most safe spots of each pool before I let my students swim in it. Having this talk is so important because it allows them to know their boundaries and limits. Point out where the steps are and test out how deep the pool is for your child by each set of steps. The stairs can be so dangerous because they can create a false sense of safety and kids will unknowingly step off them and not be able to touch the bottom. Teach your children to enter safely. Point out any drop offs and use something to mark it if you can. Making it as identifiable as possible will help your child remember their limits during play. If in a public pool, teach them that lifeguards are there to help and keep them safe, and to listen to them when they blow their whistles.

These things don't replace the importance of teaching your children to swim, but it does hold the same amount. As a parent, always keep an eye on your child near and in water. Stay in arms length of they are not strong swimmers. Always designate a water watcher and or hier lifeguards for parties. And teach your kids what to do in an emergency. And always if in doubt wear a vest.