This blog provides information about water safety while on vacation or in an unfamiliar location. It explains the benefits of taking swim lessons before a trip and a checklist of what adults can do to keep kids safe.
Every parent knows how much planning goes into a family vacation, especially if you’re traveling with young children. Once you book the trip, it seems like the never-ending mental checklist begins.
Sunscreen? Check. Bathing suits? Check. Passport? Check. But there may be something that has been missing from your vacation checklist: swim lessons.
This blog covers how swim lessons can change family vacations for the better.
We’ll go over the benefits of swim lessons as well as a safety checklist for your upcoming trip.
Before you pack your bags, read on for essential safety tips you’ll want to bring along with you.
Top Benefits of Swim Lessons for Vacation:
Safer Water
Summertime revolves around water for most kids. And if you haven’t already, getting your kids into swim lessons before summer kicks off can be a game-changer.
The leading cause of death in children under 4 is drowning. And simply put, the best way to stop drowning now is to teach your kids how to swim.
At Njswim, we make water safety education our priority. Drowning is preventable if the right resources are provided to reduce risks.
Essentially, swimming lessons mean safer water for your kids.
Safer Kids
Putting your kids in swim lessons before vacation allows them to understand basic water safety. Starting your child in Water Babies and continuing through a swim lesson program will provide them with skills and you with peace of mind.
The leading cause of drowning for children is panic. Teaching your kids what to do in an emergency can decrease their chances of panicking.
Swim lessons before vacation can provide your little ones the confidence they need to feel safe in the water.
Safer Response
At Njswim, our instructors teach kids of all ages and skill levels how to be partners in water safety. Swim lessons increase the safety of your kids if they find themselves in an unfamiliar situation.
Any parent knows that children around water can often be stressful. But having confidence in your kids’ swimming abilities can calm those water stressors down.
Swim Safety Checklist for Parents
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of swim lessons, let’s go over a safety checklist every parent should have.
Review Water Safety with Your Kids
Going over basic water safety with your kids ensures they understand what to do in a crisis. Reviewing what they learned in swim class before they get into a pool is a good habit to establish.
Make Sure All Pools and Spas Have Proper Barriers
Whether it’s the pool or spa at your hotel, or a neighbor’s pool during a barbecue, always make sure proper barriers are in good condition.
Barriers include gates, fences, or other safety barricades that stop your kids from getting into a pool without you knowing.
Designate a “Water Watcher”
Every public pool has a lifeguard. However, if the pool is crowded and hectic, it’s better to keep an extra eye on your little ones.
Try splitting up watch times with a designated “water watcher”. Each parent can take turns being the watcher to make it easier and safer for everyone.
Take Regular Swim Breaks
Kids often don’t know their own limits. Reminders to take a break from the water for a few minutes are a good thing.
This is especially the case if you’re swimming in the ocean. Resting out of the water can allow your kids to save their energy and muscle function. If they swim for long periods of time, they may get worn out.
Avoid Cloudy Water
When swimming in a public pool, be cautious if you see cloudy water. Cloudy water in public pools often means there is an imbalance of chlorine.
Low chlorine levels also mean the pool may not be clean and filtered properly. If you see cloudy water in any pools during your vacation, it may be best to avoid them.
Only Use Coast-Guard Approved Flotation Devices
Did you know there are many flotation devices that are not approved by the United States Coast Guard? One of them is the popular “arm floaties”.
Arm floaties are notorious for being unpredictable. They can easily deflate, shift position, or come undone.
Instead of floaties, try using a life jacket that zips up and buckles. An ideal safety jacket will keep your kids from going underwater and their heads upright. Using a Coast-guard approved flotation device is best for the safety of your children.
Njswim offers quality year-round swim lessons throughout NJ for all ages and abilities. Our developmental classes begin as early as three months old and advance all the way to stroke mechanics and swim team prep.
We understand that every child is different and take a gentle approach in our swimming lessons. Warm water and small classes provide a safe and unique learning experience.
For more on our swimming lessons, locations, or services, please contact us today.
