Children love exploring so it’s important to keep them safe around water. Most children who drown, will drown at home in the bath, in a garden pond, or paddling pool.
Young babies are unable to lift their heads very well, so can get stuck face down in water and drown very quickly. This can happen even in very shallow water - as little as 5cm.
Even toddlers and older children are at risk of drowning, so should always be supervised while in or near water.
Bathtime
Swimming & Watersport
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.
Verrucas
Warts and verrucas are caused by a virus – which leads to a lumpy growth. Verruca is the name we give to warts that are found on the bottoms of feet. Being around swimming pools can lead to verrucas and when they develop on the feet, it can be painful.
Warts and verrucas are very common and most people will have one at some point in their life because the virus that causes them is easily passed from person to person.
They will get better on their own but it can take time - up to two years to disappear. If they are not uncomfortable, then you can just wait it out.
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.
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 injuries. Any time you combine a hard surface with water it becomes slippery and can be easy to slip and fall, especially if running.
Preventing Slips and 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:
Parents can help reduce the likelihood of a serious slip and fall accident by explaining why it’s so important to walk any time their child is near a pool/
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.
You can also contact a member of the 0-19 Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.