Summer brings moments for families to enjoy the outdoors more. Anything from a day at the beach to a weekend camping trip or an afternoon on the water can become an exciting summer memory. However, any outdoor activity involving water requires some prep work, particularly when there are young kids involved.
Prior to heading out for their summer adventures, parents can take a few easy steps that will help keep kids safe and comfortable during swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities.
Help Kids Build Water Confidence
It is essential for children to get comfortable doing things in the water (and around it) before going on summer adventures. It is important to learn how to swim to help them be prepared for any unforeseen situations.
Regular swimming lessons can give children structured practice while teaching age-appropriate water safety skills. Parents should still supervise children closely around pools, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, even when they are confident swimmers.
Make Life Jackets a Normal Part of Boating
A life jacket that fits correctly must be included in every child’s set of boating equipment. Children should wear a US Coast Guard approved life cocoon whenever it is required or indicated.
Check for proper fit before leaving for the trip. The jacket has to match the child’s weight and size, and it has to remain in place when fastened properly. Let your child practice wearing the jacket at home to make them familiar with it before going to the boat.
A life jacket is an important safety item, but it does not take the place of adult supervision.
Teach Simple Water Safety Rules
Kids do not have to commit to memorizing a lengthy list of rules in order to know how to be safe in water. One or two simple principles are much easier to remember.
You should teach the children to:
- Stay in the designated swimming area.
- Seek an adult’s permission before entering the water.
- Never swim by themselves.
- Keep away from moving watercraft and propellers.
- Follow the instructions of the adults and boatmen.
- Avoid running in wet and slippery areas.
- Inform an adult immediately if another child is in trouble.
Practice Before the Big Summer Trip
Children might experience new things when they visit a lake for the first time or go boating. They may have to deal with water that is deeper than they are used to, get splashed with waves, or feel the pull of currents.
There may also be docks and boats at the lake or beachfront that are very different from what they see in a swimming pool. In general, the chance to practice will help reduce the unknown elements of these outdoor experiences.
Families can practice swimming or basic water safety before the trip. For kids who are still learning how to swim, summer swimming lessons can also help reinforce the skills they are developing.
Prepare Kids for Outdoor Conditions
Summer activities will also increase their need to protect themselves from too much sunlight, heat, insects, and unpredictable weather.
Pack essentials such as:
- Plenty of drinking water
- Sun protection
- Lightweight clothing
- Hats and sunglasses
- Insect repellent when appropriate
- Towels and dry clothes
- First-aid supplies
- Any necessary medications
- Snacks for longer outings
Check the forecast before leaving and be prepared to change plans if conditions become unsafe. Weather can change quickly around lakes and other outdoor areas.
Set Clear Rules for Docks and Boats
Docks may be slippery, full of people, and hard for children to maneuver. It is best to set rules before arriving instead of letting the child make dangerous choices.
Children should learn that the proper way to walk on a dock is to walk, not run, and go to the edge only in the presence of an adult. Children should also be told about where they can sit or approach on the boats.
You may give the children special tasks. For instance, older children can help with checking the availability of life jackets or making sure people have water.
Teach Children What to Do in an Emergency
Children who’re actively learning swimming should be able to alert an adult if someone fell into the water; instead of trying to execute a risky rescue. This counts as an emergency situation. They should know the basic family emergency plan and how to find adults.
Parents should know the location of the emergency equipment and basic rules for the area. So it’s a collective learning experience for adults and children in their own ways. Which means more bonding time.
Keep Supervision Active
Even if kids are good swimmers, they still need active monitoring around open water areas. Numerous natural bodies like rivers, lakes, patches of beach, and naval regions have different conditions compared to a secure swimming pool.
The supervisor should be aware of who is monitoring the kids and not rely on someone else watching them. Moreover, it will be better to think about multitasking and avoid using cell phones while the kids are swimming or playing.
Make Safety Part of the Fun
Making kids ready for summer adventures or any other outdoor activity doesn’t have to be boring. That’s because swimming practices and other preparations can be included in the whole experience.
Once the kids know how to be safe around the water, they will be able to enjoy the moves. The right preparation will allow families to have a fun summer full of swimming, boating, hiking, camping, and traveling.
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