In The Garden

• Always stay with your child if they are using a paddling pool and empty it after use.
• Cover garden ponds or ensure they are fenced off securely. You could fill in the pond or turn it into a sand pit until your child is older.
• Think about neighbours and friends garden ponds and paddling pools too.
• Take a look at this video from ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) about safety around garden ponds.

Swimming & Watersports

• Swimming is a great life skill. You could teach your child to swim so they are confident in the water, or have a look for lessons locally.
• When near swimming pools (at home or on holiday) make sure you never leave your child unattended. This is still important if they are using swimming aids, like arm bands, rubber rings or floats. Check if there is a lifeguard and what the safety rules are for each pool.
• Teach children about water safety so that they choose safe places to swim, such as public pools and beaches patrolled by lifeguards, rather than canals, gravel pits and rivers as these can be dangerous.
• If you do go to the beach, it may be worth finding out when the tide will change, so you're not caught out.
• Make sure children wear appropriate well-fitting life jackets if doing watersports.

Why not enrol on a first aid course so you are more confident in dealing with any incidents which might arise near water. It’s a good idea for older children to do a first aid course too.

Wearing Sun Cream

Water washes sunscreen off so make sure to use a water-resistant one if it's likely your child will sweat or have contact with water.

Sunscreen should be reapplied straight after you have been in water, even if it's "water resistant", and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. It is always better to be safe than get burnt!

Children aged under 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight. Take extra care to protect babies and children, their skin is much more sensitive than adults. 

Read more about staying safe in the sun

Slips & Falls Around Water

Staying safe around the edges of pools and wet areas is just as important as staying safe in the water. The deck, patio, or other area around the pool is just as dangerous as the water.

Although a slip and fall can occur just about anywhere, pools are a top spot for these types of accidents. Any time you combine a hard surface with water it becomes slippery and can be easy to slip and fall, especially if running.

Not only can children injure themselves by falling on the hard surface – they can also slip and fall into the pool, resulting in a serious drowning risk, especially if they hit their head.

Preventing Slips & Falls Around Water

Accidents are hard to predict, but there are things parents and caregivers can do to make playing around pools and water safer for children and adults alike.

Consider the following tips to help keep your pool area safer for everyone:

• Keep walkways and decks clear of tripping hazards, such as lounge chairs, toys, and equipment
• Use handrails where appropriate
• Remind children to walk at all times near the pool 
• Encourage your child to wear sandals or other footwear when walking around the pool