It’s getting colder outside and outdoor swimming is probably not on your to-do list in the next few months. Water safety is still a concern in the winter months. Keep your family safe with these winter water safety tips.
Constant Eyes on Supervision – it is important to always keep your eyes on your children when they are in and around water. This includes, but not limited to pools, natural bodies of water, fountains, buckets of water, bathtubs, toilets or any other space where more than 1 inch of water is contained.
If the child is under the age of 5, supervision that is within touch range should be provided.
Holiday Decorations can pose a risk. Make sure they are not close to water (which can cause electrocution) and that your outdoor decorations are rated for outdoor use. Make sure that decorations are not placed in a manner that could give your child access to a pool or hot tub, whether it be yours or maybe a neighbor’s.
Maintain Your Pool in the Winter. Keeping your pool well-maintained with clear water during the winter will help should someone accidentally fall in. You should also keep your pool cover drained and free of debris.
Hot Tub Safety – Lockable safety covers are a great tool to help keep children safe. When children use the spa, you should observe a one to one ratio with children to ensure their safety. In addition, it is suggested that the hot tub temperature be set below 90 degrees Fahrenheit and limit time in the spa to less than ten minutes.
Safety Fencing – If you own a pool or hot tub, you should have four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa that uses a self-closing or self-latching gate. The fence or barrier should provide four walls around the pool or spa. Any door from your home should not open directly to your pool area. Additional barriers such as alarms or automatic door locks can help prevent access or alert you if someone enters the pool area. Ask your neighbors to observe the same safety with their pools.
Learn CPR – In the precious minutes, it takes for paramedics to arrive, using CPR could save someone’s life.
Natural Bodies of Water – Take extra precautions when playing on our near natural bodies of water. The iced over pond or lake may look safe, but it can be dangerous if the ice breaks and someone ends up in the lake. Be sure that children do not play on iced-over bodies of water unless they are supervised and you are confident it is safe.
Formal Swimming Instruction – Enroll your child in formal year-round swimming lessons. The America’s National Institute of Health study concluded that participation in formal swimming lessons, like those offered at Golfish Swim School, was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning for children ages 1 to 4 years (Archives Pediatric Medicine, Vol 163 No 3, March 2009). Practice during the winter months will keep safety rules and skills fresh in your child’s mind.
Author: Amber Louchart
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
