With holiday season upon us, chances are you’ll be venturing somewhere with a pool this summer.
But before you take little ones swimming, Cathy Vance, a seasoned swimming instructor based in Austin, Texas, wants you to know a few things first.
Drowning is most common between the ages of one and four years old – and most drownings in children happen in swimming pools.
Here are the mistakes around 90% of parents make when it comes to pool safety, according to Vance – as well as what we can all learn from them.
1. Trusting flotation devices
2. Thinking goggles are a necessity for kids
It’s a common misconception that goggles are an essential part of learning to swim, says Vance.
“In reality, they can lead to a false sense of security. Many children, accustomed to seeing clearly underwater with goggles, may panic and close their eyes when they unexpectedly fall into water without them.
“This panic, coupled with the inability to see, can disorient them, making it difficult to find the surface or the edge of the pool, increasing the risk of drowning.”
She says it’s crucial to get children used to opening their eyes underwater without goggles, so they then have the skills to navigate to safety in unexpected situations.
3. Thinking the pool steps are a safe place to be
The swimming instructor warns parents not to be lulled into a false sense of security when your child is playing on, or near, the pool steps.
“Many parents assume this area is safer, but sadly, it’s where many near-drowning experiences occur,” she says.
“Pools bustling with children can quickly become chaotic, with accidents occurring from rough play, thrown toys, or accidental slips.”
So, regardless of where your child is in the pool, constant vigilance is key.