There are so many fun water activities, it’s hard to decide which ones your family should enjoy! Whether you choose to swim, splash, or take up a water sport, there is one common goal — have fun while staying safe. Pediatric care experts see a lot of patients come in with injuries and other problems caused by improper water safety, so be sure to follow safety guidelines to avoid unnecessary trips to see your Glendale pediatricians.
Supervision
One key aspect of water safety Glendale pediatricians stress is constant and active supervision. No matter how comfortable your children are in and around water, pediatrics care professionals urge parents and guardians to make sure a responsible and alert adult is keeping tabs on kids at all times.
Drowning can happen in the blink of an eye, even in places you might not think about. This is why Glendale pediatricians tell caregivers to be watchful — even in an inch of water, an unsupervised infant or toddler can be seriously injured or drown.
Sun Safety
Pediatrics care around water also includes sun safety, if you’re going outside. Follow the same recommendations your Glendale pediatricians give you for general outdoor play — use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and take breaks in hot and sunny weather to reduce the risks of sunburn, dehydration, and heat stroke. Children and adults can still get sunburns even if they’re in the water, so be vigilant about reapplying water resistant sunscreen throughout the day.
Proper Equipment for Every Age
During water sports activities, be sure to wear any safety equipment required, including helmets, life vests, and protective eye wear. If diving is part of the game, pediatrics care guidelines include making sure water is deep enough, and scouting the area for underwater hazards before jumping in.
Disabilities
For children with physical disabilities, you may need to modify your plans a bit to accommodate their specific physical disabilities. This could mean using safety equipment or floatation devices in pools, visiting an area with calmer water, or stepping up supervision. Because all physical disabilities are different and require different care, you may want to get advice from a pediatrics care professional. Experienced Glendale pediatricians can give you specific suggestions for keeping your child with physical disabilities safe around water.
With a bit of planning, your water fun will leave you with nothing but great memories and no injuries or health problems!
