Water Safety for Parents, Nannies, and Kids
This weekend ushers in the Summer of 2015. With Summer comes fun in the sun, at the Pool, Lake, or Beach. We hope that all our families and Nannies have a happy and safe summer in and out of the water. I wanted to write this blog just to give a refresher of Water Safety Tips and water resources in Charlotte, NC. First and foremost if you are not aware Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation is offering FREE swimming lessons for all children, at the two public outdoor pools in Charlotte, as well as Ray’s Splash Planet. Here us the link: http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Aquatics/Pages/Outdoor%20Pools%20-%20Seasonal.aspx Swim lessons are one of the best ways to protect your children against drowning, swimming is a very important skill to learn. I believe all children no matter what income level should have the opportunity to take swim lessons. Another important swimming safety requirement is to have every adult that is supervising children swimming take a CPR course. It is very important to know how to save a life if the unthinkable happens. There are many courses around Charlotte to get certified in CPR and AED. My CPR Pros is our favorite CPR certification company. Their website can be found at: https://www.mycprpros.com Also this Saturday at Bellies and Babies in Charlotte, NC, there will be a CPR class, This class will cover what to do in situations requiring infant and child CPR and relief of choking for infants and children, how to reduce the risk of SIDS and car seat safety. Class materials include a take home AHA Family and Friends information booklet that includes descriptions of the basic points of CPR as well as a course attendance card.
Be a Water Watcher
We also encourage designated Water Watchers when supervising children around water. You can go to this website: http://www.waterprooffl.com/docs/waterwatcher_v2.pdf and print out a Water Watcher Badge so everyone knows, you or someone you are with is a designated Water Watcher at the pool.
Water Safety Tips
- Never take your eyes off of a child in or around the water
- Stay off your mobile device when children are in and around the water
- Never let a small child be in more than a arms length of distance from you in the water
- Always use approve flotation devices and never use these devices while child is unattended
- Never allow children to dive head first
- Never allow children to do summersaults or cartwheels into the water
- Do not leave kids unattended in the kiddie pool
- No running around the pool
- Always have a safety fence around the pool
- Stay Hydrated
- Always wear sunscreen, and re-apply
- Always have a sober adult watching children in the water (and out of the water)
- Most important tip HAVE FUN WHILE BEING SAFE AROUND THE WATER
