Family vacations are often spent in places near large bodies of water. Kids just love to spend their days frolicking on beaches, scampering around swimming pools or sliding on giant water slides. All parents want to see their children having the time of their lives. However, accidents can easily happen when children are near bodies of water.
Although you want your kinds to enjoy their vacation, you do not want to disregard their safety. So it is crucial for parents or guardians to learn water safety tips when vacationing near beaches, lakes or water parks.
No matter how old you kids are, it is never too late to enroll them in swimming lessons. The skills that they will learn from the course are crucial in keeping safe around large bodies of water.
Before allowing your kids to go for a swim, talk to the lifeguard or the persons in-charge about the terrain of the area and the possible dangers that it may pose to your young ones. Give firm instructions to your kids not to wander off where you cannot see them.
It is also helpful if you can agree on a code word such that if you shout the code (the name of a pet for example), they will shout back the appropriate response. If you make it sound like a game, your children will happily participate in it. Call out the code every few minutes to make sure that your child is within hearing distance and paying attention.
Always keep a watchful eye on them. This is especially vital in open locations such as beaches and lakes. Do not rely on the lifeguards alone because they are checking the entire area and are not zoned in on your child the entire time. Also, do not make your child’s swimming skills reason enough to be complacent. Children can be easily swept by a strong current or they can easily panic when something unusual happens. If you have your eyes on them, you can immediately call for help or go to their rescue if you are qualified to do so.
Never let small children go into the water without some form of flotation device attached to their bodies. Expect to get lots of tantrums, whining or teary eyes but never give in. Be firm that they can only go swimming if they wear the safety gear. They will happily do your bidding just to get to the water.
Never leave your kids behind without any adult supervision. If you really need to go elsewhere, ask a friend or the life guard to watch out for your child while you are away. Do this no matter how short the duration of you absence may be.
Finally, it never hurts to learn CPR. If you have the skills, you will remain calm in stressful situations and you can effectively render assistance when needed.
Safety is always the most valuable consideration when traveling. This is especially true during family vacations where kids are involved. So, take heed of the above tips for a safe and wonderful family getaway.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
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