Swimming is an activity that practically every member of the family can enjoy, especially during the summer season. If you are an athlete looking for a way to improve your gain or another activity to help you recover from an injury, swimming offers several appealing benefits.
Whatever your reasons may be for taking a dip into a swimming pool, it is important to put safety at the forefront at all times.
Swimming is an invaluable skill that can benefit kids and adults and it is worthwhile to have all members of the family enroll in swimming classes. Apart from making sure that everyone in the family knows how to swim, it would also be beneficial to have one adult learn how to apply the appropriate first aid remedies, including CPR.
Whether you are swimming in your own backyard pool or in a public swimming pool, make sure that there is always someone who will look after children when they are in the water. This important task should not be left to the hands of other children or minors. You may also want to teach your children to ask your permission first before going near a pool.
Children and inexperienced swimmers should use flotation devices. However, these should not be looked at as a substitute for adult supervision. If you have been designated to watch over children or inexperienced swimmers, make sure that you avoid distractions and have essentials like a first aid kit, life jackets and even your smartphone within easy reach. If a child goes missing from your sight, check the pool immediately. Prompt action and quick thinking can save a life.
When swimming in a public pool or similar establishment, be sure to swim in areas that have been designated and supervised by trained lifeguards.
When swimming outdoors, be sure to wear sunscreen, ideally one with a protection factor of at least 15. The best hours to swim outdoors are the hours before 10 in the morning and after four in the afternoon. Make sure to drink lots of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Drinks with alcohol or caffeine should be avoided.
For backyard swimming pools, it is a good idea to invest in barriers which surround and enclose the pool. Pools and hot tubs which are not in use should be covered.
Pools should also be treated and cleaned regularly in order to maintain the appropriate chemical levels and avoid irritations caused by improper pool chemistry.