Swim Safety Reminders for Summer

Swim Safety Reminders for Summer

Summer is just around the corner and we know many of you will look forward to cooling off at the pool, beach, or lake! While these activities can be a wonderful way to spend time as a family and get outdoors, we want to encourage you to practice water and swim safety. Drowning can happen quickly and silently and is one of the most common causes of death in children under the age of 18 according to the CDC.

Here are some key reminders to practice whenever you’re around water: 

• Always supervise children and ensure no solo swimming takes place
• For children who have not yet learned how to swim, use proper fitting life vests and floatation devices and always have an adult present in the water with them. Do not make older children responsible for younger ones. 
• For those learning to swim, swim lessons or swim survival training for infants can be a great investment.
• Make it a rule to avoid diving into water and always enter a pool or body of water feet first – especially if you are unsure of its depth. 
• Never allow children to swim during heavy rain, storms, or thunder and lightning. 
• Talk about the consequences of taking risks around water. Older teens may be tempted to engage in risky behavior, especially when engaging with peers. Some common risks to talk about include: swimming at night or when water visibility is low, jumping into water from heights, and swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Encourage your teen to stay proactive against peer pressure. 
• Consider CPR training for yourself and older teens. You could save a life! 

For those in the Augusta area who are looking for swim lessons for their children, the YMCA of Greater Augusta, Neptune Dive and Ski, and the Dolphin Academy Swim School in Evans both offer classes throughout the year. 

For questions or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.