Vital water safety tips to keep children safe this summer

Most parents have lost sight of their child for long enough to cause panic during a holiday.

Only half of those in a study of 2,000 families admitted this to Water Babies.

Alarmingly, the same number of parents didn’t think their child would be able to save themselves if they got into trouble in water during this time. And the same number didn’t think their own swimming skills were good enough to save their child.

Water Babies co-founder, Paul Thompson says: “It’s vital to encourage children to respect water from as early an age as possible.  It’s tragic that drowning is still the third highest cause of accidental death for UK children. In most cases it’s the shock of sudden submersion that causes children to panic.

Each year 60 children drown in the UK in the summer months and 75 people from the UK will drown abroad. Water Babies recommends following some basic safety tips to keep every safe near water during holidays.

Always actively supervise your children while they are in, on, or near the water.

It is vital that any adult caring for a child is water confident and able to take action in an emergency.  If you must leave, even for the shortest time, take your child with you or make sure that another responsible adult is supervising your child around the water.

Never leave an older sibling to watch your children. They’re not trained or mature enough to be given such a responsibility.

Be safety conscious at the pool side.

Check the safety arrangements for the pool. Does it have supervision, what do you need to do in an emergency? At a private pool take a mobile phone. Always find out/know how to contact the emergency services at the start of your holiday.

If using a flotation device, do ensure that it’s the correct size and age for your child. You’ll need to take the time to work out exactly how it works, and practice using it first.

Always go to beaches where there are lifeguards on patrol. Ask the lifeguards where the safest places to swim are. Always supervise your children in the water – even when there are lifeguards on patrol.

Stay sober near water. Alcohol is a contributory factor in many UK drownings. Do not drink alcohol while in or around the water. It can impair your supervision and swimming skills.

Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Seconds count in preventing death or brain damage. In an emergency if your child stops breathing, call 999. Starting CPR will ensure your child has the best chance of making a full recovery.