The West Kent Family Grapevine - Summer 2022

Tips for keeping safe around water this summer by Puddle Ducks

The summer holidays are almost upon us…yippee!

At Puddle Ducks, we often get asked about how to safely enjoy swimming away from our classes – especially when on holiday. Well, you won’t be surprised to hear that it isn’t rocket science! Deep down, we bet you all know the answers but we’ll share our thoughts anyway.

First and most importantly – stay safe!

When researching your holiday or day trip (or arriving at the destination if you haven’t yet done so) check the safety arrangements of any water-based activities and see if there is lifeguard cover.

Children will gravitate towards water – teach them to never enter the water without your supervision.

Take time to check the depth, water flow and layout of pools.Follow the pool rules.

Check bathing sites for hazards, check the safest places to swim and always read the signs – find out what local warning signs and flags mean.

Swim with any children in your care – it’s more fun and you can keep them close and safe.

Understand your swimming environment – especially how the depth changes.

On beaches stay in a safe depth. Check when the tide will be high and low and make sure that you won’t be cut off from the beach exit by the rising tide. Also, be aware of dangerous ripcurrents – if caught in one, swim parallel to the shore.

Inflatable dinghies and lilos are a well-known hazard and can easily be blown out to sea - don’t use them in open water.

Children’s vulnerability changes with age but those under 12 months are relatively immobile and entirely dependent on caregivers. They can drown very quickly and in very little water, and in containers that may not be perceived as risks (for example, in a bucket or a toilet). Children who are mobile but too young to recognise danger or to get out of water are also at risk, especially in the absence of barriers and capable supervision.

It’s important to stay safe at home too so always supervise bath time (never leave children unattended) and empty the bath as soon as possible after use.

If, by chance, we have some hot days here in the UK(!), remember to empty paddling pools and buckets as soon as they have been used and always turn paddling pools upside down once empty.

Puddle Ducks hope you have a very happy, sunny (and safe) summer!

To find out more about Puddle Ducks West Kent & East Sussex www.puddleducks.com/westkentandeastsussex Facebook @PuddleDucksWKES 01892 617246