98 54
JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Parenting Pearls
Make the Summer a Splashing Success By Sara Rayvych, MSEd
A
s the summer approaches, the pool is usually one of the first things kids think about. Swimming and water play is truly one of the joys of summer. Along with water comes the need for extra safety measures and awareness. As parents, we are all aware that water comes with its own set of precautions, but as the proud mother of two lifeguards, I’ve gained a new appreciation and awareness. I’d like to thank the lifeguards that took the time to review this article and added their insights. I just found out that Bracha Goetz has a new book on water safety, Let’s Swim Safely, designed for the youngest of swimmers. I haven’t had a chance to thoroughly review it, but it’s worth checking out on your next trip to the bookstore.
Constant Supervision It is never safe to leave children of any age alone near water, irrelevant of how little water is present. This applies to everything from a bathtub to a pool. In fact, nobody should swim alone. Even adults should have a buddy or someone with them. There are
too many stories of tragedies to be lenient with this rule. Sadly, there have even been deaths recorded in men’s mikvaos because someone was alone when a medical emergency occurred. After swimming, the pool should be drained, locked or otherwise secured. Don’t leave even a baby pool with water in it unattended. The same applies to baths or anywhere water is gathered. Ensure nobody, not even a neighbor’s child, has access to your child’s pool. Other parents may allow their child to play outside unaware there is water present. Inflatables, water wings, and other items are not a substitute for adult supervision. Ironically, some of those very items are considered dangerous in the water despite how they’re marketed. I know from my sons that there are very good reasons why pools limit certain pool toys and items. Others are allowed in but require extra vigilance. It’s a shame that they’re marketed as they are.
Learn the Signs Many of us have seen drownings depicted in movies or television. As the victim desperately screams for
help, their arms flail as they splash and make a scene. The movies show drownings just about as inaccurately as they portray Orthodox Jews. I never knew differently until a homeschooler put out a public service announcement after the unfortunate drowning of a relative of hers. The young man was an excellent swimmer and drowned surrounded by family as nobody knew that he was struggling. It is worthwhile to watch a video online showing how someone actually looks when they’re having trouble. You want to know the first signs of trouble and daven you never need to use it.
Professional Lifeguards Parents are wonderful and love their children to no end. Parents, though, are not substitutes for a lifeguard. I’ve been very impressed with seeing how my sons have learned the signs of distress and know the safest way to help. An untrained eye is no substitute for a professional. I’ve been called to see if my children are available for pool parties as many parents recognize that having a lifeguard present is the safest way to
host others in your pool. On the other hand, I’ve had parents argue with me that they don’t really need that much professional supervision since parents will be present. Parents generally don’t watch swimmers as carefully as a lifeguard, and they’re rarely able to spot the first signs of danger, chas v’shalom. Parents cannot take the place of a trained lifeguard. I’ve been impressed when rebbeim or parents added a second lifeguard because they knew it was safest, and I have been disappointed when adults have refused to properly staff their pools. Don’t allow your child to swim unless there is proper supervision. Lifeguards are the trained staff and authority at the pool, and children should be taught to listen to the lifeguards. Lifeguards may be predominantly teenagers but they need to be taken seriously. If the lifeguard asks them to stop running, leave the pool or stop their game, then they need to listen. You would never encourage your child to disregard an authority figure, and the pool’s lifeguard is no different. It’s for your child’s safety and benefit that they listen to the ones trying to keep them safe.
