There is a rather sad statistic that needs to be shared with anything that has to do with water, and that statistic is the fact that drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged one to four, as well as one of the leading causes of death for teenagers. It only takes twenty seconds for tragedy to strike if your attention and eyes are diverted from the water’s surface for even a moment; drowning can occur instantly.

In this article, we will discuss some fundamental guidelines for water safety that will assist you in keeping your children safe while allowing them to have a good time.

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Start them out with swimming lessons as soon as you can.

Having the ability to swim does not necessarily protect one from the risk of drowning. However, learning how to swim at a young age provides them with the skills necessary to know how to get out of trouble much more quickly and reduces the likelihood that it will result in a negative outcome. In fact, according to research conducted by the USA Swimming Foundation, participating in organized swim classes can cut the risk of drowning by as much as 88 per cent.

Instruct them to avoid going near water unless a responsible adult is present.

Children tend to behave in unexpected ways, and it is common knowledge that they do not always pay attention to or carry out the directions given to them. This is especially true for toddlers and children of a younger age. However, you should spend some time emphasizing the significance of showing proper courtesy toward bodies of water. This should be interpreted as a warning to children not to approach bodies of water unless they have the permission and supervision of an adult, whether that adult is their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or teachers. Never, ever allow older children or children who seem responsible to supervise younger children while in the water, even if they are older children. Keep in mind that it only takes a quarter of an inch or less of water and less than twenty seconds for disaster to strike.

Take care not to miss anything.

When it comes to the importance of adult supervision when children play in or with water, this advice is more directed toward the adults who supervise than it is toward the children themselves. This means that you must refrain from picking up your book and keeping a peripheral eye on the other person, as well as from checking your social media or running inside to get more lemonade for yourself. It means maintaining constant gaze contact with them at all times. In the event that this becomes necessary, you should contact another adult to come help you supervise the children or remove them from the water.

Playing in the water and swimming are two activities that almost every child and adult looks forward to doing, but it is important that you do so in a safe manner.