Water Safety

Boys! Who can keep up with them?

Filled with energy, the mix of boys and water has the potential to be dangerous. It is vital to keep a close eye on them when they are messing around near water. Have you ever noticed that boys tend to feed on each other’s energy levels? They get louder and faster and more excited as play goes on. They don’t think about safety, do they?

It’s usually boys that go running along the edge of the pool or dive bombing their mates in the water. They are the ones who are risking injury.

Teaching your children to swim is a must, of course, but so is teaching them how to play safely near water. Swimming lessons can begin before your child can even walk and that’s also a very practical way to start teaching water safety.

There are some key things that they need to learn.

• Never go near the water unless there is an adult supervising.
• If they are at the beach, swim between the flags.
• Pay attention to the lifesavers on patrolled beaches, and do as they are told.
• No diving into water.
• Don’t run on wet concrete especially around the edges of a pool.
• Dive bombing can be dangerous and put their friend’s safety at risk.
• Don’t go into the deep end without adult supervision.
• Wear proper swimming gear so they aren’t weighted down with clothing.

First aid is also essential for anyone old enough to learn it because they may well save a younger sibling or friend.

Water safety isn’t about fear; it’s about respect. If you can teach your boy to respect the water he will have a fun time in complete safety.