School is out, summer is here and pools are open. This is a fun time of year for all and it’s a great time to remind ourselves how to keep our kids safe at the pool. If you haven’t already, it’s a great time to get your kids into swim lessons. If time or money is an issue, the Red Cross has free online lessons that can be accessed here. Also, the Chicago Park District offers affordable aquatic lessons ($20-$50 for 8 week sessions) at multiple city pools.
The American Red Cross releases swimming safety tips every year, which I have provided below:
- Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
- Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising, even when a lifeguard is present, no matter how well the child can swim or how shallow the water. Avoid distractions including cell phones.
- Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
- Designate a “water watcher” whenever in a group setting.
- Stay within an arm’s reach of any weak or inexperienced swimmer who is in the water.
- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
- Do not rely on the use of water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys or other items designed for water recreation to replace adult supervision.
- If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers to prevent unsupervised access to the water.
- If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
- Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
- Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
- Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.
- Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.
Have fun this summer but be always take precautions. If you or a loved one have a suffered personal injury or an accident in Chicago, then call the Chicago accident attorneys at The Bryant Law Group, LLC., for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076 or go to the firms website at www.blgchicago.com.