A Spectacularly Safe Splash

Water Safety Tips for Parents

As a parent, having knowledge about water safety is at the very top of the priority list.

Our latest read provides essential water safety tips that you can implement to help keep your children safe in and around water.

Think of yourselves as lifeguards to your little ones.

Take a lap around this blog to know more about your summer job description.

Water Safety at Home

1. Keep your child at arm’s length whenever they are near water. This could be anything from a bucket of cleaning water to a fish bowl.

2. Don’t leave a filled, open-top water container unattended. The domestic use of water can be as risky as recreational.

3. Empty out containers such as buckets, pails, coolers, and water bowls for pets. Rainwater may have also accumulated on terraces or front porches.

4. Never carry your baby while nursing a hot beverage like hot water, tea, or coffee.

5. If you have a pool at home, ensure that there is a fence or barricade surrounding it.

6. Keep pool toys and floats out of the water when not in use, as these can tempt young children to reach out for them.

Water Safety in The Bathroom

1. Keep the bathroom door closed so that your little one isn’t tempted to go in and explore.

2. Make sure the toilet seats are firmly placed down. You can install safety latches or locks to keep those curious little hands from fidgeting.

3. If you have a bathtub, remove the drain plug when it's not in use to avoid it from filling up if your child turns on the faucet.

4. Before putting your baby in the bathtub, check the water temperature with your wrist or elbow.

5. Place your baby in an infant bath seat when in the tub. This will hold them securely in place.

6. Keep all the bath supplies within reach, so that you can have your hands on your baby at all times.

7. Never leave your baby alone in the bathtub for even a second.

Water Safety in The Pool

1. Make sure the pool is warm enough, an average of 32 degrees Celsius, if your baby is under 6 months, to avoid hypothermia.

2. Start by familiarising your child with the water by placing them in a baby pool or taking them to the shallow end of the pool.

3. Use a flotation device (age and weight appropriate) such as an inflatable ring to support your baby’s weight while they are in the water.

4. Never leave your baby unattended while in the water, even with a floatation device.

5. Don’t allow your baby to float on their back, unattended, as they lack the strength to support their head and neck.

6. Learn and practice infant CPR, so that you’re well prepared in case of an emergency.

7. Take swimming lessons under the guidance and supervision of a certified instructor.

Water Safety at a Beach / Lake / River

1. Assign an adult (you or your partner) to keep a close eye on your child at all times when they are near water.

2. Use an age and weight-appropriate life jacket on your child.

3. If your child is old enough, educate them about water currents, water depth,

And the risks of head and neck injuries.

With these all-important and useful tips, you are now ready to be Aqua Parent!