Drowning Prevention Week (19th-26th June) – ‘Staycation’ safety tips for local families from swimming expert
Now that l the sun is shining again, you might be contemplating a staycation in the coming weeks. With 40,000 lakes and reservoirs in the UK1, it’s likely that your family holiday or day trip will involve some time on or around the water. But with face masks and social distancing still a part of everyday life, keeping your little ones out of harm’s way suddenly takes on a new meaning.
Tamsin Brewis, owner of local baby swim school, Water Babies Bucks and Beds, is sharing her top tips on how to make sure the whole family can have fun at the beach, canals and lakes this summer – and even at home – whilst staying as safe as possible around the open water.
At the beach
• Make sure your whole family understand the warning flags and signs on beaches. The RNLI have warned that, due to COVID-19, there will be fewer lifeguard patrols this summer, so take extra care and decide on a family meeting point if your little ones wander off
• On UK shores, rip currents are common, so make sure your children aren’t following older siblings or other beach-goers into the water without alerting you first
• A great way to ensure social distancing when you’re out and about at the beach is to arrive ‘beach ready’, so showered and already in your swimwear. Avoid using public shower facilities and wash off when you get home.
Canals, lakes and streams
• Whilst visiting the many lakes and streams across Oxfordshire, don’t be tempted to let your children take a dip; wait for the safety of the paddling pool!
• River and canal banks can become very slippery and are often steeper than they first appear. Holding hands whilst playing waterside will help minimise accidents
• Water levels changing around canal weirs can be fascinating for little ones but be particularly cautious when watching canal boats pass through. Walkways can be narrow and slippery, so don’t let your children near the lock without being supervised.
In the garden
• Did you know? One of the most common injuries during the summer months is wasp stings and insect bites. As an adult, these can be rather painful but for a child, can be agonising. Therefore, make sure you’re checking paddling pools, sandpits and sun protection tents for any unwanted visitors before letting your little ones loose
• And whilst we’re on the topic of paddling pools; a little dip is a great way to keep children cool and encourages an early love of the water. Little ones as young as a few months old will love a paddle - I’ve had new-borns aged just eight days old at my swimming lessons, so there’s really no such thing as too young! - but make sure the pool is completely shaded and test the water temperature before letting them in, checking it isn’t too hot or cold
• For older children who need less help, get them into the habit of always asking permission before getting in the water and only let them in when there is a responsible adult present. When the splashing is over for the day, drain the pool completely and turn it upside down
• And you’ll need the trusty hosepipe to fill the family paddling pool! Just make sure you check the water temperature before having a playful splash as water left in the pipe can become very hot in the sun.
Tamsin summarises: “Trying to maintain social distancing, keeping an eye on your loved ones and making sure you’re enjoying time with your family is a real balancing act. The best thing about these tips is they take very little time to implement but can make all the difference. With the sun shining and restrictions lifting, it’s no wonder families are itching to get out and about again and by bearing the above in mind, you’re guaranteed some safe fun in the sun!”
For more information about Water Babies Bucks and Beds, visit www.waterbabies.co.uk/lp/baby-swimming/bucks-and-beds
1 Country File, 2020, Britain’s most beautiful lakes.