safety

photo courtesy McStone via pixabay.com

We recently blogged about dry drowning--how to spot the symptoms and how to prevent it from happening. Thankfully, it's a rather uncommon phenomenon. Actual drowning, however, is not: drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-3 years old in 30 states.

A few weeks ago, we reposted this rather amazing video on our Facebook page:

It's a little shocking--watching a baby fall into a pool is a scary thing! But it brings to attention the importance of teaching very young children skills that may help them survive an accidental tumble into a swimming pool or other body of water.

Check out our selection of floating aids and toys.

Types of Infant Swim Classes

There are a lot of options for parents who are looking for infant swim classes:

• A well-known infant swim class is Waterbabies. This class and others like it include the parent and the infant in the lessons. The focus is primarily social (parent-infant bonding, parent-parent socializing, infant-infant socializing) and getting babies accustomed to being in the water. Basic floating skills are taught.
• Then there are classes like the one discussed in the video above. They are not advertised as swimming classes; rather, they are "self-rescue" classes, and the focus is not on fun or swimming, but rather on teaching infants survival skills that may help them survive falling into a pool. Parents sit on the sidelines while trained instructors teach the infant to roll onto their backs, float, breathe, and wait for assistance. Older babies are taught to swim for short intervals in order to reach safety.
• Parents can also teach their babies basic swimming skills on their own. There are many resources on the Internet that guide parents through teaching basic floating skills and swimming skills such as the doggy paddle.
• Many communities also offer courses through local swimming pools. Check the resources in your area to see if such classes are offered. Many of these types of classes will be geared towards children 4 years and up.

How Old Should My Baby Be to Learn to Swim?

It depends who you ask. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children are not developmentally ready to learn to swim until they are 4 years old. However, they mean actually swimming. Programs like Waterbabies, in which children only float and are held in the water, start at 1 month. Self-rescue programs encourage parents to teach self-rescue skills between 6-12 months. The right time will also depend on the child and any special needs they may have.

The Benefits of Teaching Babies to Swim

Besides teaching skills that could save them from drowning, there are other benefits to teaching infants to swim:

• Babies that learn to swim have better balance and are better at grasping objects than their non-swimming peers. This difference in ability persists even up through five years of age.
• Teaching babies to swim can boost their confidence. They are also less likely to be afraid of being in water or having water on their face.
• Swimming builds strength. The buoyancy of the water and the resistance it provides exercises muscles more effectively than activity on land. Research shows that babies who swim crawl later than their peers but walk earlier, due to improved muscle control.
• One German study found that babies who swim display advanced social skills and intelligence, compare to their non-swimming peers.
• Swimming relaxes infants and the activity stimulates their appetite. This improves their sleeping and eating habits.

Will Teaching My Baby to Swim Prevent Drowning?

Teaching an infant to swim, or teaching an infant self-rescue techniques, will improve their chance of surviving should they fall into water. However, there is never any guarantee they will not drown--no one is drown-proof. Even highly skilled adult swimmers can drown. The best way to prevent drowning is to secure pool areas with gates and fences, and to supervise your child at all times when near a pool or other body of water.

This wristband alarm is designed specifically to warn you should your infant fall into the pool.

Even if your infant has taken swimming or self-rescue classes, it is crucial you do not rely on those skills to save your child.

View our pool alarm and safety systems here.

• http://www.babyswimming.com/FAQ.htm
• http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/187087.php
• https://www.waterbabies.co.uk/baby-swimming/benefits-of-learning-early

by neener-nina via DeviantArt

The risk of drowning increases in summer, as does the risk of "dry drowning" or "secondary drowning". Dry drowning is a rare event, but it does happen and knowing the signs could potentially save a life.

What is Dry Drowning?

This rare event accounts for 1%-2% of all drownings. Dry drowning occurs when a small amount of water is inhaled during a struggle or rough play. The muscles lining the airways become irritated and spasm. The lungs then produce fluid, which builds up and causes pulmonary edema. The person is then at risk for drowning in their own fluids.

What are the Signs of Dry Drowning?

The entire process can occur 1 to 24 hours after the water first entered the lungs. A person can be out of the water for hours and functioning normally before the signs of dry drowning present themselves. A dry drowning victim can exhibit the following:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Sudden behavioral changes
• Extreme fatigue or lethargy
• Fever
• Sweaty or pale blue/gray skin

It can be especially difficult to spot these signs in young children who may simply appear tired after a day in the pool. However, it is very important to keep an eye on any child who had trouble while in the water or who engaged in particularly rough play.

How is Dry Drowning Treated?

At the first sign of dry drowning, take the affected person to the hospital immediately. Doctors can administer oxygen or use diuretics and positive air pressure to remove fluid from the lungs.

Can Dry Drowning be Prevented?

To a certain extent, yes, dry drowning can be prevented. Keeping a close eye on children and preventing an event that causes them to inhale water is the surest way to avoid dry drowning. Be aware, however, that it only takes a second for the aspiration of liquid, and it doesn't even have to happen while in a swimming pool.

While you may not be able to control the conditions that cause dry drowning, you can certainly prevent death from dry drowning by monitoring the person's breathing and behavior. At the first sign of any of the symptoms listed above, go immediately to a hospital.

• http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20140602/dry-drowning-faq
• http://www.swimmersdaily.com/2011/07/03/how-to-spot-symptoms-of-dry-and-delayed-drowning/
• http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/protecting-children-secondary-drowning-article-1.1857692

Swimming pools should be fun, but above all else they should be safe. The Center for Disease Control reports that about 10 people die everyday, and two of those people are children aged 14 and under. Most of these deaths occur in residential pools, turning a fun family play area into a scene of tragedy. By taking a few simple precautions and with the aid of a few affordable products, you can greatly decrease the chances of a tragic accident and increase overall pool safety.

Tips to Maximize Pool Safety

• Install a fence around the pool area, whether you have an above-ground or in-ground pool. This will prevent people from using the pool without your knowledge and keep small children and animals out. This one step is the priciest on our list, but it alone can be the greatest safety precaution you take.
• Never leave small children unsupervised in or around the pool, not even for a minute. This is worth repeating: never leave small children unsupervised in or around the pool. This means any child 14 years of age or under. Small children can drown in just seconds, so there should always be an adult who can swim actively supervising.
• Keep children away from pool filters. The suction may injure them or prevent them from reaching the surface.
• Be sure all pool users know how to swim. Teach children to swim as early as possible. Children can learn to swim as early as age 1. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend teaching children before age 1 due to development issues. Teach small children how to get to the nearest steps or where they should go if they accidentally fall in. Supervising adults should absolutely know how to swim.
• Implement a buddy system: no one swims alone, ever.
• Don't allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol or is otherwise inebriated to swim in the pool.
• Never dive into an above-ground pool. Always check the water depth before plunging into an in-ground pool. Obey all pool rules about diving and running.
• Don’t allow glass containers in the pool area.
• Keep radios, CD players, blow dryers, and other electrical devices away from the pool.
• Everyone in the home aged 14 years and older should take basic first aid and CPR training. These are often offered through local community programs. Check your local library for nearby classes.

Products to Maximize Pool Safety

• Door alarms, locks, and safety covers create a barrier of protection around the pool. These are all useful in alerting you if a child is trying to get out to the pool area.
• Keep a secure cover on the pool during the off-season. We carry covers for above-ground pools and in-ground pools.
• Keep a first aid kit, ring buoys, and reaching poles near the pool in case of emergency.
• Have very small children wear pool alarms like this Safety Turtle alarm. The moment it is immersed in water, it activates a very loud alarm.
• Invest in an anti-entrapment system to prevent small children from becoming trapped by drain and filter suction.
• Have small children wear life vests in the pool.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pool's safety, give us a call! We'd love to help you find resources and products that will keep you and your family safe.

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) announced on October 30, 2013, the reaffirmation of American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/APSP/International Code Council (ICC)-8 2005 (Revised 2013) Standard for Model Barrier Code for Residential Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. The Standard protects children from accidental drowning by limiting or delaying unintended access to swimming pools and hot tubs through layers of protection.

The first and most important layer of protection to keep everyone safe around a pool, spa or hot tub is constant, adult supervision. This Standard provides the layer of protection options in easy to understand language and illustrations for the builder, the code official, and the consumer to ensure safe and responsible swimming and soaking. -- APSP Senior Director Technical & Standards Carvin DiGiovanni

ANSI/APSP/ICC-8 2013 provides the most up-to-date layers of protection for incorporation into national or regional building codes and for adoption by state and local jurisdictions. The Standard contains a complete description of the layers of protection with annotated pictures of their application. The Standard can be purchased and downloaded in the APSP store. For more information about APSP’s standards, parties may contact DiGiovanni at 703-838-0083 Ext. 149.

At Poolsandstuff.com, we are dedicated to keeping you and your family safe while you enjoy your pool. That's why we stock so many products that will help keep your pool environment safe, including the following:

• Easy-to-install steps for safe pool access and exit, including designs with lockable gates to prevent small children and pets from accessing the pool.
• Easy-to-install ladders for safe pool access and exit, including designs with guards to prevent children from becoming trapped between the ladder and the pool wall.
• Solar-powered, submersible lights for maximum visibility in the pool area.
• Miscellaneous products such as anti-entrapment drain systems, pool alarms, USCG-approved children's life vests, ring buoys, and ADA-approved lifts and chairs make your family's pool time safer and worry-free.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the reaffirmed Standard or about pool safety. Happy Swimming!