Swimming With Kids

Getting out and enjoying the water as the summer heats up is one of the most enjoyable things to do. Summer is at the hottest period of the year, and wanting to cool off is totally understandable. If you are taking your child swimming for the first time, then you’ll want to be prepared for what to expect. Water is a lot of fun, but it’s also quite dangerous - keep your child safe when going swimming.

First off, make sure that you are keeping your kids in your sight at all times. Even if your child is a strong swimmer, you’ll want to know where they are and make sure they’re doing well. With toddlers and babies, you should be right there with them the whole time that they are in the water - you don’t want them on the other side of the pool without someone you know close by. Even if your child just falls down in the water they may not be able to easily get up and have their face in the water. Stay close by if you’re not holding them.

Ideally, you’re taking your first trips to the swimming pool where there are lifeguards. While you still need to keep an eye on your child while there, you’ll also have others that are meant to help watch for potential issues as well. The more eyes you have on your child the better. Once you know how your child does in the water, then going to the lake or other places without lifeguards is alright, but you’ll need to be vigilant.

Beyond the water, you’ll also want to make sure that you have protection from the sun. Don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen. Even if it doesn’t look like there is going to be a lot of sun, you’ll want sunscreen. One of the worst things after a long and fun day in the water is coming home with an extremely red sunburn that doesn’t allow you to sleep very well. For babies, it’s especially important to keep them protected from the sun as their skin isn’t ready to be in the sun all day long. Have an umbrella or other shelter from the sun if you’re going to be on the beach so that you can place your child under it, and so that you can get some protection from the sun as well.

Bring some snacks for you and your children as well. Water and sun really drain your energy quickly, and you’d much rather have a snack on hand than being extra hungry. This also lets you control the type of food that you are able to eat. Buying a snack where you are going will likely lead to something like pizza, churros, or something else that’s quite unhealthy. Bring foods that your kids like and that will help to keep them full.

For new swimmers and young toddlers, make sure to have a puddle jumper for them. Puddle jumpers are great flotation devices for young kids. They are some of the safest options for kids, and they will help to keep them afloat. That doesn’t mean that you should be watching your kids closely, but it will allow your child to more safely get deeper in the water without going under nearly as easily.

Towels, toys, and a change of clothes are all things that you should bring as well. Water toys are a great way for your child to play different games in the water without you having to entertain them the whole time. Towels let you dry off and sit down after a long day in the water, and changing into clothes at the end of a swimming session is way better than sitting in a wet swimming suit.

Get out and enjoy some swimming this summer with your child. It’s one of the most fun ways to enjoy a hot summer day.