Pool Safety for Kids – Hazardous Toys You Probably Use
July 9, 2021
There are actually several common pool toys that can lead to a drowning. And you probably have these items in your pool right now! So today, I want to discuss the safety of a few different items in the pool, including those popular swim floaties for toddlers!
Be safe, and stay extra cautious around the pool this summer with your kiddos with these quick tips.
3 Dangerous Items You Probably Have in Your Pool Right Now
According to Stop Drowning Now, “Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1-4.”
And drownings do not usually look like you would think. They are typically silent and really do happen in the blink of an eye.
To ensure safety, really stay vigilant around kids when these 3 common swimming pool items are involved:
1. Swim Goggles
If swim goggles don’t fit your child properly, they can leak water and cause even the most proficient swimmer to become disoriented.
Keep a close watch on children when they are diving for swim toys while wearing goggles.
2. Large Inflatable Floats
Yes, the extra large pool inflatables are so much fun. They make all kinds of crazy animals and characters these days, which can make for hilarious fun at a pool party.
But these inflatable toys can be very dangerous. They block the view of the bottom of the pool, making it hard to spot any troubled swimmers.
Smaller kids can also get “stuck” underneath larger floats and become disoriented.
It’s important to keep a close watch on all kids in the pool when using larger pool floats.
3. Swim Floaties for Toddlers
Don’t come after me on this one! I know swim floaties for toddlers are super popular. They make adults feel comfortable and safe letting their toddlers explore the waters with a little more independence.
However, they also make children feel comfortable and safe – sometimes too comfortable. Children may forget when they’re NOT wearing these floatation devices. They may have a false sense of security around deep water because they usually have their swimmies on.
Swim lessons and teaching your children about the dangers of water, even at an early age, are great ways to prevent accidents.
Final Thoughts on Pool Safety for Kids
It is important to understand that no matter how well your child can swim, he or she can panic and forget their skills within seconds. Never underestimate the danger of pools, especially if there are a lot of children swimming at the same time.
Drowning can be an extremely difficult thing to spot, and children often get overlooked when the pool is congested with people.
Any swimming child under the age of 4 years old must be within arms length of an adult at all times.
~Dr. Katie
