water safety
Splasharound...
Keeping pool safety top of mind is the best way to ensure your summer is full of happy memories and nothing else.
It’ s summer and you know what that means … suncreen, sandals and the irresistible call of the swimming pool. For little ones, there’ s nothing more exciting than splashing about in cool water on a hot day. But with all that excitement comes a need for extra caution, especially when it comes to keeping babies and toddlers safe around water.
Why supervision is a non-negotiable
Let’ s start with the big one: supervision. It’ s tempting to assume you’ ll hear a child fall into a pool, but Alex Tomlinson, qualified swimming teacher and founder of Glide Swimming Academy in Bloubergstrand, warns that that’ s not always the case.
“ Children often fall into pools quietly – not with a big splash. It’ s more of a slip than a dramatic entry, so don’ t rely on hearing them. Always maintain visual supervision,” she explains.
Even confident swimmers can become disorientated if they fall unexpectedly. The cold shock, the surprise … it can be overwhelming. That’ s why it’ s crucial that an adult is always close by – ideally, in the water with the little ones.
Bright swimsuits & smarter safety
Think neon is just for fashion? Think again. Says Alex:“ Dress children in bright-coloured swimwear. Orange is particularly effective for visibility in water.”
That tip could make all the difference in an emergency. Other must-haves for any home pool include:
• Secure fencing, gates, nets or pool covers to prevent unsupervised access
• A clear, clutter-free pool area – no floating toys left to tempt little adventurers
• A high water level:“ It’ s easier for a child to reach the side and climb out if the pool is full,” Alex points out
Water awareness for babies and toddlers
Even if formal swimming lessons aren’ t an option just yet, you can still introduce water safety at home.
Alex suggests:
• During bath time, help babies get comfortable with having water on their face or ears.
• Show toddlers how to safely climb in and out of the bath or small paddling pools.
• Teach them to grip the edge and move along the side – simple actions that build confidence and awareness.
And remember, never leave a child in or near water unattended.“ An adult should always be in the water with a child during early exposure to swimming,” Alex advises.
Planning for the unexpected
We hope you’ ll never need it, but having an emergency plan can be life-saving. At least one adult in the household should be trained in CPR. Keep floatation aids like life rings or poles close to hand, and make sure every supervising adult can swim confidently. Avoid distractions too. That quick scroll on your phone can wait.
Safety beyond the pool
Of course, summer fun isn’ t limited to the back garden pool. Beaches, lakes and rivers come with their own set of rules:
• Never dive into unfamiliar water – depth and hazards can be deceiving.
• At the beach, swim between the flags where lifeguards are present.
• Learn to spot rip currents and understand tides before heading out.
“ Water should be fun – not feared,” says Alex.“ With a few basic precautions and a whole lot of supervision, families can enjoy safe, splashy summer days together.” We couldn’ t agree more. �
36 www. babysandbeyond. co. za