Water safety

Catherine McGeer

ESSENTIAL tips for children. Drowning incidents can occur quickly and silently, making it vital for parents to be well­informed and proactive in preventing such accidents. One of the most critical safety rules is to never leave children unattended near water. Even shallow water can pose a risk, and accidents can occur within seconds. Always stay within arm’s reach of children.

When around water, it is important not to leave toddlers wearing disposable nappies. These nappies can become heavy when soaked, causing toddlers to sink if they fall into the water.

If you are not a confident swimmer, it is recommended to take swimming lessons to ensure you can respond effectively if your child gets into difficulty in the water. Basic knowledge of water safety, rescue techniques, and CPR can be invaluable in case of an emergency.

While inflatable armbands and other flotation devices can provide some assistance in the water, they should never be solely relied upon to keep children safe. These devices can deflate or slip off, and children can still get into dangerous situations even while wearing them. Toddlers are particularly vulnerable due to their lack