Life-Saving Techniques Tips
Read these 8 Life-Saving Techniques Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Pool Safety tips and hundreds of other topics.
Child Care Providers Should Learn CPR
Good life-saving techniques, in addition to installing a baby barrier around the perimeter of your swimming pool area, is to require that everyone in your home over the age of 14 learn CPR and have some form of emergency training.
Additionally, any childcare providers (including babysitters, relatives and friends) should also have CPR training in the event of any emergency - not just drowning.
CPR training is typically offered at local hospitals, police stations, the YMCA, the American Red Cross and various other facilities. Check with your local Yellow Page listings to find providers in your area. Some trainers will even schedule home or group consultations.
To make sure techniques are properly learned, most providers recommend a course that spans a few days, or weeks if necessary, versus trying to learn in one day.
Teach your child care provider that if your child is missing, look in the swimming pool first because if the child has penetrated the swimming pool fence, time is the most important factor. In addition, CPR and emergency techniques learned in training can help to save your child's life.
Teach Children How To Float
A swimming pool safety fence is the first step in protecting your children from potential swimming pool accidents.
However, preparation is key and teaching your child swimming basics is important. One thing that may help your child in an emergency is learning how to float. This is often one of the first things taught in swimming programs.
In teaching your child how to swim, they may forget necessary steps in an emergency. However, learning one or two simple steps to float will be beneficial in the event that the swimming pool safety fence is penetrated.
Keep A First Aid Kit Specifically For Swimming Pool Emergencies
Consider purchasing a first aid kit tailored specifically for swimming pool emergencies.
This type of kit would contain a first aid guide from the American Medical Association, items to treat cuts and bruises, eye drops for chlorine irritation and a face-shield with a one-way valve to protect you should you need to perform CPR.
Store the kit in a cool, dry area in close proximity to your swimming pool. Make sure it is clearly labeled and teach everyone who uses your swimming pool where the kit is located.
This first aid kit should be combined with several other baby barriers to prevent serious swimming pool accidents.
Never Swim Alone
Teach your children that it is never a good idea to swim alone.
Even swimming pool fencing, first aid kits, and other precautionary measures will not help anyone who is swimming alone and gets a sudden cramp or falls into some other form of distress. Swimming alone is dangerous for swimmers of all levels and ages.
Have at least one other person with you when you are swimming. Children should have an adult present at all times — even if there are other children around.
Should you decide to swim alone, alert others in your home when you will be in the swimming pool. Ask them to check on you often and set a time to go back inside. Open windows that border the side of your home with the swimming pool so that those inside can hear your calls for help if you fall into distress.
These precautions can save your life if you find yourself in an emergency when swimming alone.
Never Depend on Inflatable Flotation Devices
Teach your children to never depend on inflatable flotation devices. This could attribute to a false sense of security should your child get past the swimming pool fencing area. Inflatable flotation devices are not always reliable and can malfunction because of the smallest puncture.
Instead, teach your child to obey strict rules governing conduct around the swimming pool (public or private) and check your swimming pool fence regularly to be sure its reliable.
Enroll you and your child in a swimming program that will teach both of you how to become strong swimmers. These classes are offered at the local YMCA or through your city's Parks and Recreation department. You can also find private individuals and organizations that offer swimming lesson program. The classes typically span four to six weeks per session and generally meet once a week for 30 minutes to one hour each time.
The classes will teach you what to do in a pool emergency and proper lifesaving techniques. Taking the class together can update you on proper procedures and ensure you and your child's level of confidence in your swimming abilities.
Keep A Portable Phone In Swimming Pool Area
Keep a list of emergency contacts, as well as a portable telephone, in close proximity to your swimming pool area. This could come in handy in an emergency.
Phone numbers to 911, the police station, the nearest hospital and the fire station should be on speed dial. Emergency parental and familial contacts should follow.
Teach your children, other family members, guests and others where these numbers are located and what you expect to be done in an emergency.
Children Should Always Be Supervised When Swimming
Children should always be supervised when they are in the swimming pool area — regardless of whether or not they are actually in the pool. This is because even when they are wearing flotation devices, children can drown.
Adding protective measures, such as swimming pool fencing, does not help if you are not paying attention to your child when they are permitted to be the swimming pool area.
Close, detailed supervision should be available for every moment your child is swimming. If there are multiple children present, there should be more than one adult supervising. Do not encourage rough play in the swimming pool and go over pool area rules before allowing anyone to swim.
Don't Swim At Night
Do not make a habit of swimming at night and teach your children not to swim at night either.
This can be dangerous because your vision is limited, it is hard to see directly in front of you, and if someone is in distress, it can be hard to see him or her.
Supervising children swimming at night is difficult. Instead, encourage children to swim in daylight so you can clearly supervise their water activities.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Sheri Ann Richerson |
