are vital (for example, never running
around a pool, checking depth before
diving, etc.). And kids should always
be supervised by an adult who can
swim.
Sharon says:
Parents must establish
rules with their children and
constantly reinforce them. Basic rules
such as asking to enter the water need
to become routine.
Karen says:
It is a balance between
encouraging children’s skills as
they naturally challenge themselves
(sometimes exploring beyond their
capabilities), and making them
aware of potential dangers. Setting
boundaries is crucial.
What are your top three
water-safety tips?
Andrew says:
1) Teach kids that
the side of the pool is their saviour.
Children need to reflexively look for
the side, rather than another swimmer.
This is only achieved through
repetition: Jump in the water, turn
around and grab the side. Repeat.
2) Teach your child the respect
that water deserves. 3) Teach them
confidence in going underwater. If
children can remain calm if they fall
in, there is a higher likelihood they
will save themselves by getting to the
side.
Katie says:
1) Start young. 2)
Don’t skimp on the safety measures:
swimming lessons; putting up
barriers (fencing, pool alarms, pool
covers); becoming CPR-certified;
and practising “touch” supervision
– always staying within arm’s reach.
3) Find a water-safety class for your
child. He will be taught to hold his
breath underwater, flip onto his back
to float, and swim to the side in case
he falls in.
Karen says:
For children: 1) Never
go near water without an adult. 2)
Always wear a life jacket on a boat. 3)
Always listen to the life guards. For
parents: 1) Know your own swimming
limitations – if you cannot swim, then
learn. 2) Always have your child in
sight. 3) Be aware of potential dangers.
March 2016
41
Learn to swim
If it’s time for swimming lessons for your family, check out one of these:
• FloatPlus Swimming:
• ESF (for ESF and non ESF students):
/
programmes/swimming.asp
• Infant Aquatics:
• Splash swim program:
• Float Plus:
• Harry Wright:
• Multi-sport:
• Star Aquatics:
• Stingrays swim club:
• YWCA:
/
