Water safety: beyond the pool

The pool is not the only aquatic environment our children are exposed to in the summer.  We have to be cautious anywhere a child could potentially drown and take precautions to prevent accidents.  My goal is not to scare your family away from the water, just shed some light on some hazards.   Let's take a look at the obvious and not so obvious situations.

Secondary drowning: the frenzy and the rarity

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional.  Always consult your doctor or pediatrician if you have medical concerns.

Earlier this summer a very heartfelt and terrifying story went viral about a boy who almost died of secondary drowning , also called dry drowning or delayed drowning.  Most people were frightened not only of the situation, but also that they had no idea it could happen.  "If it could happen to that little boy, it could happen to mine, right?", said the voice in our heads.

The kids you meet at the pool

Bear with me as I attempt some humor....

Inspired by Scary Mommy's The Moms You Meet At The Pool I've racked my brain and looked around to name some of the Kids You Meet At The Pool.  Don't worry if these may apply to your kids.   Growing up around the pool I have specific examples of these kids in mind.  They all turned into very sweet and responsible teenagers and adults.

Categories are not mutually exclusive.  They can also change on a dime, as children often do.

Choosing goggles

Goggles are an invention on the level of Electricity and The Wheel.

Private lessons v. group lessons

As you decide to sign up for swimming lessons, you may have to decide whether to sign up your child in group lessons (3-6 children) or private lessons.  Both are great options.  I'll go over the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Sunscreen recommendations by moms

This is a post by moms for moms.  I asked my Facebook friends for their recommendations for sunscreen, preferably for at the pool and on the children. Here's what was recommended:

I got a couple references to Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) which has a HUGE list of sunscreens that have been tested for effectiveness and irritating chemicals.  I like that they include a lot of smaller brands.

In no particular order, here are some specific brands called out by some local moms.

Swimmer's ear prevention

*DISCLAIMER:I am not a medical professional.  I am writing about personal experiences and from years in the water.  If you suspect that you or your child has swimmers ear, please seek professional care.  

If you've ever had swimmers ear, you know how painful it can be.  You also know that it's something you don't want your child to get this summer.  If you are lucky enough to have escaped getting swimmers ear, read on.

Age ranges of swimming skills

Just as children grow and learn to walk, speak, and read, there is a wide age range of ability to swimming. There is also somewhat of an order to learning to swim.  Learning to swim can be affected by a child's temperament, gross motor skills, and opportunities to be in the water.

I've been compiling a list of skills that are appropriate for certain age ranges.  These skills build upon each other.  Take a look and see what your child can do and what his next steps may be. Remember, this is just a rough range.  I've seen kids move faster and slower through these skills.