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| Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter |
| The American Red Cross wants to make sure you and your family have a safe and happy summer! Here are some tips and FAQs on Water Safety! Frequently Asked Questions |
When should my child learn to swim?
Like many decisions you make for your child, there is no textbook answer. You
know your child best and you must decide when your child is mature enough to
learn to swim. As general guidelines, the American Red Cross recommends
starting your child in learn to swim classes somewhere between the ages of four to
six.
However, while your child is developing his or her likes or dislikes, make sure that
you expose your child to water in a safe, fun manner. Parent and child classes
include registrants as young as six months. These classes are not designed to
teach your child to swim or even survive in the water on their own. They do give
you information and techniques to help lay the foundation for future swimming
lessons. Just as importantly, they are an enjoyable time for you and your child to
bond while in the safe constraints of a local facility.
Remember that while your child is still learning to swim that you must be within
arm's reach of him or her at ALL times.
What water toys are safe? (by Greg Stockton)
While water toys such as water wings and inner tubes are fun accessories to bring
to the beach or pool, the only truly safe water accessory is a personal flotation
device (PFD) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (check for the U.S. Coast Guard
stamp).
Water wings and inflatable toys are great fun but they are just that, toys. These
items may provide a false sense of security and should not be relied upon for
safety. It's vital that parents and caregivers know the difference between toys and
proper safety gear.
Kids-and adults-who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable
toys for safety should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD whenever they are
in or around the water. Each person should have the appropriate PFD for their
weight, which is found clearly marked in the Coast Guard stamp.
If your child doesn't like to wear their PFD, take them on a shopping trip where
they can pick out their own PFD. Including them in the decision will allow for a
better fit and ensure that they're happy to wear a PFD at all times in or on the
water.
No matter what a child is wearing and no matter what flotation items are at hand,
he or she should never be left unattended in or around the water. Parents should
always practice "reach supervision" which means that he or she is within arm's
reach of the child at all times.
How long after eating can I go back in the water? (by Mike Espino)
Despite what Mom always told you, there is no specific time you must wait before
heading back into the water. Instead, the rule of thumb is to use common sense
about swimming and eating. Before beginning any strenuous activity after eating,
you should feel comfortable, not sluggish or tired.
Going back in before your body has properly digested your meal - and the
emphasis here is on "your" since this is an individual variable - could make you
susceptible to cramping and exhaustion, both of which interfere with your ability to
swim and stay safe in the water.
Also make sure that you stay well hydrated while having fun in the summer sun.
Dehydration is dangerous and can lead to cramps and/or fatigue. Drink lots of
water and avoid alcoholic and/or caffeinated beverages.
How do I make my home pool safe? (by Greg Stockton)
Make sure that your pool is surrounded on all sides by a fence that is at least 4 feet
high. It should not provide any foot holds, which would allow a child to climb over,
or spacing to climb through. The fence should have a self-closing, self-locking gate
that is locked when the pool is not in use. A first-aid kit, cordless phone, phone list
with emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a nylon
line attached are all recommended poolside items.
First-aid kits, like the Good Housekeeping-approved kit from the American Red
Cross, should contain plastic face shields, which can help prevent disease
transmission. Cordless phones allow you to make that 9-1-1 call and to receive
calls without leaving the area. These items, coupled with a pool emergency action
plan that is similar to a fire emergency plan, ensure that the entire family is
prepared.
Some rules to consider for your pool include:
What is a safe temperature for a home pool?
Recommended water temperature for the type of activity ranges from 78 degrees
for fitness swimming , 82 degrees for recreational swimming and 86 degrees for
water therapy. However there is no recommended water temperature for
residential pools - what it boils down to is individual comfort and preference.
Although, please note that high water temperatures can present water quality
issues.
What should swimmers do when lightning or thunderstorms
occur?
It is recommended that both indoor and outdoor pools evacuate. Swimmers
should follow their facility's guidelines for exiting the water before an impending
storm. Lifeguards and facility employees should direct the evacuation.
It is recommended that swimming pools be cleared at the first sound of thunder or
first sight of lightning and 30 minutes should lapse after the lightning and thunder
stop before swimmers get back into the water.
Like many decisions you make for your child, there is no textbook answer. You
know your child best and you must decide when your child is mature enough to
learn to swim. As general guidelines, the American Red Cross recommends
starting your child in learn to swim classes somewhere between the ages of four to
six.
However, while your child is developing his or her likes or dislikes, make sure that
you expose your child to water in a safe, fun manner. Parent and child classes
include registrants as young as six months. These classes are not designed to
teach your child to swim or even survive in the water on their own. They do give
you information and techniques to help lay the foundation for future swimming
lessons. Just as importantly, they are an enjoyable time for you and your child to
bond while in the safe constraints of a local facility.
Remember that while your child is still learning to swim that you must be within
arm's reach of him or her at ALL times.
- American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program
What water toys are safe? (by Greg Stockton)
While water toys such as water wings and inner tubes are fun accessories to bring
to the beach or pool, the only truly safe water accessory is a personal flotation
device (PFD) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (check for the U.S. Coast Guard
stamp).
Water wings and inflatable toys are great fun but they are just that, toys. These
items may provide a false sense of security and should not be relied upon for
safety. It's vital that parents and caregivers know the difference between toys and
proper safety gear.
Kids-and adults-who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable
toys for safety should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD whenever they are
in or around the water. Each person should have the appropriate PFD for their
weight, which is found clearly marked in the Coast Guard stamp.
If your child doesn't like to wear their PFD, take them on a shopping trip where
they can pick out their own PFD. Including them in the decision will allow for a
better fit and ensure that they're happy to wear a PFD at all times in or on the
water.
No matter what a child is wearing and no matter what flotation items are at hand,
he or she should never be left unattended in or around the water. Parents should
always practice "reach supervision" which means that he or she is within arm's
reach of the child at all times.
How long after eating can I go back in the water? (by Mike Espino)
Despite what Mom always told you, there is no specific time you must wait before
heading back into the water. Instead, the rule of thumb is to use common sense
about swimming and eating. Before beginning any strenuous activity after eating,
you should feel comfortable, not sluggish or tired.
Going back in before your body has properly digested your meal - and the
emphasis here is on "your" since this is an individual variable - could make you
susceptible to cramping and exhaustion, both of which interfere with your ability to
swim and stay safe in the water.
Also make sure that you stay well hydrated while having fun in the summer sun.
Dehydration is dangerous and can lead to cramps and/or fatigue. Drink lots of
water and avoid alcoholic and/or caffeinated beverages.
How do I make my home pool safe? (by Greg Stockton)
Make sure that your pool is surrounded on all sides by a fence that is at least 4 feet
high. It should not provide any foot holds, which would allow a child to climb over,
or spacing to climb through. The fence should have a self-closing, self-locking gate
that is locked when the pool is not in use. A first-aid kit, cordless phone, phone list
with emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a nylon
line attached are all recommended poolside items.
First-aid kits, like the Good Housekeeping-approved kit from the American Red
Cross, should contain plastic face shields, which can help prevent disease
transmission. Cordless phones allow you to make that 9-1-1 call and to receive
calls without leaving the area. These items, coupled with a pool emergency action
plan that is similar to a fire emergency plan, ensure that the entire family is
prepared.
Some rules to consider for your pool include:
- No one swims alone - even adults
- One adult should always have 100 percent of their attention directed on the
pool when children are swimming or in the pool area. It's helpful if adults
take turns paying attention and if all adults are trained in First Aid and CPR. - Diving is outlawed in home pools - they are far too shallow!
- Glass containers are also outlawed at or around a home pool.
- There should be pool breaks where all swimmers hop out, reapply
sunscreen, drink water, and just take a break. This allows the adults
surveying the pool to ensure that everyone is in good spirits and not
suffering from heat exhaustion, sunburn or fatigue.
What is a safe temperature for a home pool?
Recommended water temperature for the type of activity ranges from 78 degrees
for fitness swimming , 82 degrees for recreational swimming and 86 degrees for
water therapy. However there is no recommended water temperature for
residential pools - what it boils down to is individual comfort and preference.
Although, please note that high water temperatures can present water quality
issues.
What should swimmers do when lightning or thunderstorms
occur?
It is recommended that both indoor and outdoor pools evacuate. Swimmers
should follow their facility's guidelines for exiting the water before an impending
storm. Lifeguards and facility employees should direct the evacuation.
It is recommended that swimming pools be cleared at the first sound of thunder or
first sight of lightning and 30 minutes should lapse after the lightning and thunder
stop before swimmers get back into the water.
| Weather Links National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service - http://www.weather.gov/wcm/lightning/ams_lightning_rec.htm National Lightning Safety Institute - http://www.lightningsafety.com |
