Now that the good weather is starting to arrive, it seems that the beach and swimming pool season has been open. Many families start preparing weekends to enjoy whole days by the sea or in the pools. They prepare their backpacks with towels, sun creams, food, snacks ... but What you really shouldn't forget when visiting these aquatic environments is safety..
Safety is the main thing to take into account to avoid tragedies or misfortunes on a day that was meant to be happy and fun. It is the wish of all parents to keep their family safe 24 hours a day and to achieve it you will need to equip yourself with the correct information to ensure that your children do not suffer any kind of harm when going to the beaches or swimming pools on family days.
When summer arrives it means that activities with water are the order of the day, so before going to the beach or the pool it is necessary that you take into account some safety tips that you can use, if necessary write them down to Don't forget themBesides beaches and swimming pools, people also often go to rivers, lakes and swampsTherefore, it is advisable to keep in mind specific recommendations for each environment.
Solar protection
It is very important to think that the sun can seriously harm the health of people with too much exposure. That is why it is necessary for the whole family to apply Solar protection at least half an hour before leaving home. Once you reach the beach or pool, it will be necessary to apply sun protection as many times as necessary in order to avoid sunburn. The sunscreen should have a high protection factor, be water-resistant, and be reapplied every two hours.and also after each prolonged bath or towel drying.
Today there are too many cases of skin cancer due to excessive sun exposure, this point shouldn't be ignored. In addition to sunscreen, it's advisable to use wide-brimmed caps or hatsShort-sleeved or lightweight long-sleeved shirts (preferably with UV protection) and certified sunglasses. Children's skin is more sensitive, so Direct exposure should be avoided during the middle of the day., when the sun is at its strongest.
It is also essential to limit exposure time, seeking shade periodically. An umbrella, a tent, or designated sheltered areas help reduce the risk of sunburn. sunstroke and heat strokeIf you notice headache, dizziness, intense tiredness or excessive redness of the skin, it is important to get out of the sun, hydrate well and cool down.
Assign a family manager each time
Everyone has the right to have a good time at the beach and the pool, so every outing should include a clearly identified security officer to raise the alarm whenever necessary. One of the most common reasons behind a drowning This happens when children are not seen by their parents. A moment's inattention is all it takes for a child to approach the water unnoticed.
It is very important that someone always supervises children while they are playing in the water. Older family members should be assigned this responsibility and reminded that there can be no distractions of any kind. especially using a mobile phone, reading, or falling asleepSurveillance must be active and continuous, always keeping children in sight and at a distance that allows for a quick response.
A good strategy is to go rotating the responsible adult every so oftenThis prevents them from getting tired and ensures they remain fully alert. Furthermore, a child should never be left in the care of another child, no matter how responsible they may seem. Children are easily distracted and lack the reaction time of an adult in an emergency.
Safety comes first and the phone can always wait. It is necessary to remind children that they cannot go into the sea Nor should they play in the deep end of the pool. They should know that even if they wear floats or armbands, these do not replace adult supervision. It is also important to teach them to recognize the most dangerous areas: slippery edges, stairs, diving boards, areas with currents or stronger waves.
Follow the rules strictly
All public pools or beaches have rules that must be strictly followed to maintain the safety of people who are enjoying a relaxing day. It is common sense to comply with the rules and regulations that exist on the beaches and in the swimming pools. All safety warnings should not be ignored because that can cause serious accidents, both in adults and children.
It's important to always wear flip-flops at swimming pools to avoid walking on wet tiles, which can cause you to slip and hurt yourself or even hit your head. Also, it's worth remembering that You can't run around the poolNor should they play by pushing or throwing each other, as this greatly increases the risk of injuries and falls.
Of course, you can't dive without the proper skills, nor can you dive headfirst into shallow water. Before jumping into the water from the edge or a diving board, it's essential to have the necessary training. Check the depth and make sure there's no one underneath.An impact against the bottom or another person can cause anything from minor injuries to serious spinal cord injuries.
The safety measures you can find in a public swimming pool It will also be necessary to apply them to private swimming poolsIn these latter cases, it is also highly recommended to install perimeter fences with secure closure To prevent children from accessing the pool area unsupervised, the area should also be kept free of toys that might lure children into the water when no adults are present.
On beaches, pay attention to the flags that indicate potential dangers while swimming in the sea. A red flag strictly prohibits swimming; a yellow flag indicates caution, but swimming is prohibited for children; and a green flag means swimming is permitted, although children must always be supervised by an adult. There are also specific flags or signs that warn of... presence of jellyfish or currentsThis is something that must be respected to avoid stings or risky situations.
Check the environment
It's very important to check out your surroundings every time you visit a new place. Before settling in, take a few minutes to calmly observe the area. For example, if you're going to a swimming pool, you should know Where is the emergency exitThe stairs, the lifeguard, identify the deepest and shallowest areas. Pay attention to the safety signs, the instructions on diving boards, slides or water slides, and the specific rules of that facility.
If you're going to the beach, it's also necessary to know where the lifeguard is.Check the water's surface, being aware of areas with more rocks or where it might be more dangerous. On beaches without lifeguards or that are less well-known, it's advisable to ask other beachgoers or local authorities for advice. streams, wells or areas not recommended for bathing.
In rivers, lakes, and marshes, this precaution is even more important. Not all areas are suitable for swimming, and in some it is expressly prohibited because it can pose numerous health risks. strong currents, sudden changes in depth, submerged rocks, mud This can cause a loss of balance or even the presence of bacteria, fungi, or parasites in the water. It is advisable to check beforehand about authorized areas and always respect warning signs.
Before diving headfirst into any natural environment, make sure the water is deep enough. Water can be deceiving, appearing deeper or cleaner than it actually is. First, check by entering slowlyAnd if you're going to jump from a rock or height, check that the ground below is safe, free of branches, stones, or other obstacles. The use of Footwear specifically designed for water use It helps prevent cuts and slips when walking on rocks or uneven ground.
Finally, it's worth checking if there are Phone coverage in the areaIn an emergency, being able to quickly call emergency services or a lifeguard can make all the difference. If you're going to a remote location, let family or friends know where you'll be so they can find you if needed.
Suitable sleeves and floats
You must make sure that your children, if they don't know how to swim or aren't good swimmers, have a flotation device appropriate for their age and weight such as board belts, vests or polystyrene discs to help them enjoy the water safely. Here you will find information on floats and hoses, which - contrary to what many think, are not the most suitable systems -.
Inflatable floats, mats, or play figures are recreational elementsbut not safety devices. They can easily capsize, drift out to sea due to wind or currents, and give a false sense of security to both children and adults. Whenever a child cannot swim well, it is preferable to use approved life jackets and properly adjusted to the body.
Do not allow them to go into the water without a flotation device if they are not proficient swimmers, and of course, Never allow them to go into the water without adult supervision.Even if they are wearing a life jacket or flotation device, human supervision is irreplaceable: no device, however safe, can replace constant adult attention.
Frequently check the condition of flotation devices: ensure they are free of punctures, open seams, and faulty closure systems. Also, make sure they have a Correct labeling and visible approvalsBe wary of very cheap products without clear information, as they may not meet minimum safety requirements.
Swim together
It is necessary that your children never go into the water aloneChildren should always be accompanied by an adult. Furthermore, children should supervise each other to ensure everything is alright, but this should never replace the responsibility of adults.
On beaches, rivers, marshes, or lakes, the most prudent thing to do is Avoid deep areas and areas with currentsEspecially with children. It's advisable to always swim in areas marked by buoys and, if available, near the lifeguard station. It's not a good idea to go far from the shore, use inflatable mattresses to go out to sea, or swim across wide areas without being familiar with the surroundings.
For older people or those with a pre-existing condition, it is also essential not to bathe alone. Enter the water accompanied and do not overestimate your own physical condition This reduces the risk of problems. If at any point you feel tired, extremely cold, dizzy, or have difficulty returning to shore, it is best to turn over, float on your back moving only your legs, and ask for help.
Know how to act in an emergency
Knowing how to act in an emergency is vital. When an accident happens, it's essential to know that you're doing your best to keep yourself and others safe. If something has happened, you should take the necessary steps to help the injured, but always... without putting yourself in dangerIf you don't know how to swim well or lack the necessary training, you shouldn't risk entering the water.
In a risky situation, the first thing to do is raise the alarm and ask for help from the lifeguard service, if available, or call the appropriate emergency number. If possible, throw the person in distress a life preserver, rope, long pole, or other floating object they can grab onto. Stay calm so you can clearly explain what is happening.
It's advisable to learn first aid, especially if you often participate in water activities. Knowing how to perform basic CPR, place someone in the recovery position, or recognize the signs of heatstroke can make all the difference while waiting for emergency services. If you don't know first aid, you should notify people who do. Emergency services as soon as possible.
In the case of children who have swallowed water, they should be taken out of the water as soon as possible, their airways kept clear, and their level of consciousness and breathing assessed. Even if they seem fine after the scare, it is important consult with healthcare professionalssince there are situations such as secondary drowning that can appear with some delay.
Drink a lot of water
When spending the day at the beach or pool, a large bottle of fresh water is essential to quench the thirst of the whole family. Most adults need 8 to 12 glasses of water daily to stay fully hydrated, and that need increases in the heat. Children should also stay well hydratedbecause they dehydrate more quickly.
Remember that water is the only thing that effectively quenches thirst. Sugary drinks, juices, or sodas are not a substitute for water and, in excess, can be counterproductive. It's best to offer water frequently, without waiting until the feeling of thirst is intense. Also, it's advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages before bathing, because decrease reaction capacity and can encourage risky behaviors.
A helpful trick is to always keep water bottles or canteens in sight and encourage children to take small sips every so often, especially after playing, running, or being in the sun. Dehydration also increases the likelihood of muscle cramps, dizziness, or heatstroke, so Staying well hydrated is an essential part of water safety.
Bring a small medicine cabinet
Carrying a small first-aid kit can prevent a minor incident from ruining your day. Having aloe vera gel on hand for sunburn relief, basic pain relievers, bandages, adhesive strips, sterile gauze, saline solution, cotton balls for wounds, insect bite cream, and disinfectant, among other simple items, can help. resolve minor incidents quickly.
It's also a good idea to include some in the first aid kit insect repellentSpecial dressings for chafing on the feet, and, if there is a family history of allergies, any medication prescribed by a healthcare professional. Check the contents of the first-aid kit regularly to verify expiration dates and replace anything that has been used.
In addition to the first aid kit, it is useful to have a list of the following items on hand: emergency and reference health center telephone numbersespecially if you're spending a few days away from your usual place of residence. Having that information in advance allows you to react more quickly if needed.
Enjoying the water at beaches, pools, rivers, or reservoirs is one of the best ways to experience good weather as a family. Staying safe doesn't mean sacrificing fun: thanks to a active supervision of childrenWith respect for the rules, sun protection, adequate hydration, and basic knowledge of how to act in an emergency, it is possible to transform every aquatic day into an experience that is as refreshing as it is safe for all ages.