As a parent, few things are more important than ensuring your child’s safety, especially when it comes to water. While most people associate water safety with swimming pools, many parents overlook the dangers that exist at natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and beaches.
Drowning incidents occur far more often at these locations than we realise, often because they present unique hazards that aren’t always immediately visible. In this blog, we’ll dive into how to protect your child near lakes, rivers, and beaches and explore essential water safety tips you can implement right away.
The Hidden Dangers of Lakes, Rivers, and Beaches
When most people think of water safety, they envision a lifeguard at a swimming pool or the familiar boundaries of the shallow end. However, lakes, rivers, and beaches present a different set of risks that parents need to be aware of.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of all child drowning incidents occur in natural water settings, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, with a significant portion occurring during family vacations or outdoor recreational activities.
Unlike controlled environments like swimming pools, natural bodies of water often have unpredictable currents, sudden drop-offs, and varying water temperatures, making them particularly dangerous for children. Strong waves at the beach or an unnoticed current in a river can pull a child under in seconds.
Even shallow lakes may hide submerged hazards like rocks, tree branches, or sudden drops. This makes it crucial for parents to stay vigilant and informed when spending time near water.
Educate Your Child About Water Safety
The first step in keeping your child safe near water is teaching them about water safety from an early age. For older children who are confident swimmers, understanding the dangers of natural water environments is crucial. For younger kids, teaching them basic water safety skills, such as floating, treading water, or even the importance of never going near water without an adult, can make all the difference.
Teach your Child to Swim
Formal swimming lessons can significantly reduce the risk of drowning for children aged 1-4. Even if your child is young, enrolling them in water safety classes can provide them with the basic skills needed to stay safe in a variety of water environments.
Discuss Water Boundaries
Explain to your child where they can safely play and where they should stay away from. This is especially important at beaches or lakes, where current and depth may change unexpectedly.
Teach Awareness of Dangerous Conditions
Show your child how to recognise rip currents or signs of adverse weather, especially when visiting the beach. Knowing when not to enter the water is a vital life skill.
Supervision is Key
Even if your child is a competent swimmer, supervision is always essential when they are in or near water. It only takes a few moments for a child to get into trouble. Always make sure an adult is within arm’s reach of young children, particularly when near lakes or rivers where the environment is less predictable than a pool.
Stay within Arm’s Reach
For toddlers and young children, it’s crucial that an adult is close enough to help immediately if needed. In more remote areas like beaches or lakes, ensure someone is designated to watch the children at all times.
Never Leave Children Unsupervised
Even if the area appears calm or shallow, water can quickly become dangerous. Many drowning incidents happen silently, with no obvious signs of distress.
Use Designated Swimming Areas
At lakes and beaches, stick to designated swimming zones marked by buoys or lifeguards. These areas are often free of hidden hazards, such as sharp drop-offs or sudden currents.
Be Aware of Changing Water Conditions
One of the biggest dangers at lakes, rivers, and beaches is how quickly water conditions can change. The weather, tides, or even nearby activities can dramatically alter the water's safety. For example, the calm, flat water you started with at the lake might change within minutes, turning into strong currents or rough waves.
Currents and Tides
Especially at beaches or rivers, currents can quickly pull a child away from shore. Always check tide charts before heading to the beach and stay informed of any strong current warnings.
Weather
Pay attention to weather forecasts before and during your trip. Sudden storms or gusty winds can create dangerous conditions even in seemingly calm waters.
Water temperature
Lakes and rivers, particularly in colder regions, can have much lower water temperatures than expected, which may lead to hypothermia if your child falls in.
Use Flotation Devices Wisely
While floatation devices like life jackets or pool noodles are common at swimming pools, they’re also essential at lakes and beaches. However, it’s important to remember that not all flotation devices are created equal. When at a lake or beach, ensure your child is wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits properly, especially in areas with strong currents or deep water.
Choose the Right Life Jacket
Make sure the life jacket fits snugly and is designed for the child’s weight and age. Avoid inflatable arm bands or “water wings,” as they are not reliable in emergencies.
Always Wear a Life Jacket in Open Water
Whether your child is paddling in shallow waters or swimming near the shoreline, life jackets should be worn at all times, especially if your child isn’t an experienced swimmer.
Check Buoyancy Regularly
Test your child’s life jacket before each outing to ensure that it’s not worn out or damaged.
Know CPR and First Aid
Knowing basic first aid and CPR is essential for all parents, particularly those who spend time near water. In the unfortunate event that your child does experience a water emergency, being able to act quickly could save their life. Enrol in CPR and first aid courses regularly to keep your skills sharp.
The Resuscitation Council UK recommends CPR training for everyone, especially parents and caregivers. Learning how to perform CPR can empower you to provide life-saving assistance in those crucial moments before professional help arrives.
It’s also essential to know how to handle minor water-related injuries, such as cuts from sharp objects, scrapes, or stings from marine creatures commonly found along the UK’s coastlines. In any emergency, maintaining a calm and focused demeanour ensures you can respond swiftly and effectively.
Conclusion
Water safety is an essential aspect of parenting, especially when spending time near lakes, rivers, and beaches. By teaching your child about water hazards, maintaining constant supervision, understanding changing water conditions, and using proper floatation devices, you can help ensure they stay safe while enjoying the water. Preparing for emergencies by knowing CPR and first aid is also a critical step in protecting your child’s health and well-being.
Watchu Guardian: Keeping Children Safe
Among the numerous child safety technology options, Watchu Guardian stands out as an innovative wearable solution that prioritises children's safety. This personal GPS watch allows parents to track their children's locations in real time, making it invaluable for those who prioritise safety.
GPS Tracking: Parents can easily monitor their child's location through the Watchu app, providing peace of mind during outings.
SOS Functionality: In emergencies, children can send immediate alerts to parents with their location, ensuring help is on the way.
Two-Way Communication: Watchu allows children to communicate with their parents directly, fostering a sense of security.
Durable Design: Built to withstand the rigours of active play, the Watchu is a durable and reliable option for kids.
By incorporating Watchu into your child’s safety plan, you can provide them with the independence they crave while ensuring they have the means to communicate and stay safe.
Please browse our products or contact us if you need assistance.