Water Safety
Playing in and around the water can be a lot of fun, but it is also important to be aware of the dangers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for kids ages 1-4. For children ages 5-14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes. Drowning is preventable, and it is important for kids and parents to agree on some rules for times when they are around open water.
The following suggestions can be used to start a conversation about water safety with your family, but you should also consult experts such as the CDC, the American Red Cross, and the YMCA for more advice!
Swimming Tips for Children with Visual Impairments
Swimming can be a joyful and empowering experience for children with visual impairments when appropriate safety measures are in place. By implementing strategies such as the buddy system, water orientation, clear communication, and utilizing assistive devices, children can swim confidently and safely. Remember to seek guidance from swimming instructors who specialize in teaching individuals with visual impairments. With the right preparation, support, and awareness, children with visual impairments can dive into the joys of swimming while ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Always use a Buddy System. Implementing the buddy system is crucial for the safety of all swimmers, especially those with visual impairments. Encourage children to swim with a trusted partner or a designated swim buddy who can provide assistance, guidance, and support in and around the pool. A sighted swim buddy can help navigate the pool area, offer verbal cues, and ensure that the child stays within a safe range.
- Help your child with water orientation and skills. It is essential for children with visual impairments to develop water orientation and basic swimming skills. Enrolling in swimming lessons specifically tailored to their needs can provide them with valuable guidance. Swimming instructors who specialize in teaching individuals with visual impairments can teach techniques such as floating, treading water, and specific strokes. These skills will not only enhance their safety but also foster confidence and independence in the water.
- Before jumping in, familiarize your child with the pool environment. It is beneficial for children to become familiar with the pool environment. Encourage them to explore the pool area, including the entry and exit points, stairs, and pool edges. Familiarity with these aspects will help them navigate independently and feel more secure during swimming sessions.
- Encourage communication and verbal cues. Clear communication is essential for ensuring safety in and around the pool. Teach children with visual impairments to communicate their needs and limitations to their swim buddies, instructors, and lifeguards. Establish a system of verbal cues to indicate directions, distance, and any obstacles in the water. Effective communication will enable others to offer the necessary assistance and support.
- Explore options for assistive devices and equipment. There are various assistive devices and equipment available to enhance safety and confidence for children with visual impairments while swimming. Some examples include: floatation devices such as life vests, floatation belts, or arm floats to provide additional buoyancy and support in the water. There are also more advanced devices that can alert the swimmer when he or she is close to the edge of a pool, or when there is an obstruction in the water.
- Place helpful tactile markers. Placing tactile markers, such as textured tiles or mats near pool edges, stairs, and other important landmarks can aid navigation and orientation.
- We saved the most important for last! Always ensure that children with visual impairments are under constant supervision by a responsible adult, even if they are skilled swimmers. Additionally, inform lifeguards or pool staff about the child's visual impairment and any specific needs or requirements they may have. Raising awareness will allow them to provide appropriate assistance and be vigilant during swimming sessions.
More Tips for Kids
- Never swim alone.
- Always ask permission from your grown-up before getting in the water.
- Wear a life jacket any time you are on a boat or dock, or while swimming if you don't swim confidently.
- Stop swimming and take a break if you get tired or cold.
- Keep your hands to yourself-no wrestling, piggyback rides, etc. while swimming.
More Tips for Parents
- Choose swimsuits in bright colors that help you, and lifeguards, to spot your kids easily (see the sidebar for suggestions).
- Life jackets and other swim aids should be certified by the US Coast Guard (or other local authorities in other countries).
- Swim lessons are important for all kids.
- Make sure that your children know what is expected of them when you are near pools or open water.
