Pool safety: 3 mistakes parents often make

Most children love to swim and play in the water. But before allowing them into the water, parents should prioritize their children's safety. Drownings are most common among children aged one to four, with many occurring in swimming pools.

That's why Katie Vance, a swimming instructor from Texas, USA, discusses the mistakes parents often make when allowing their kids into the pool. This was reported by Huffington Post.

Choosing the right swimming equipment

Katie explains that in reality, such products can do more harm than good. This is because they force children to remain in a vertical position in the water, whereas they should be horizontal. If a child falls into the pool, it can be dangerous. However, it's important to remember that these aids are not foolproof, and it's essential to teach your child to swim beforehand or ensure constant supervision while they're in the water.

Swimming goggles: a necessity or not?

"In fact, they can create a false sense of security. Many children who are accustomed to seeing clearly underwater with goggles on may panic and shut their eyes when they unexpectedly find themselves in the water without them. This panic, coupled with their inability to see, can disorient them, making it challenging to locate the surface or edge of the pool, thus increasing their risk of drowning", - explained instructor Katie Vance.

Kathy emphasizes that it is crucial to teach children to swim without goggles so they can learn to navigate the pool and reach the edges safely.

Don't allow children to play on the pool stairs

Many parents mistakenly believe that it is safer there because the water is shallow, but it is not. A toy could accidentally fall into the pool, or a child could slip down the stairs, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Therefore, no matter where your child is in the pool, you need to keep a constant eye on them.