James Edson is the coordinator for the Injury Prevention Center at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth. He recently answered questions via email about water safety. The interview has been edited for length, style and clarity.
Question: Why is it important for children to feel comfortable around water?
Answer: Children who are afraid of the water won’t learn the skills that they need for swimming and self-rescue. Being afraid of water is a common occurrence with children (and adults). With so much of our area having natural bodies of water, a child needs understand how they can be safe if they fall in or go out too far.
Not being comfortable can lead to panic, which can lead to tragedy. However, being overconfident can be just as deadly so teaching a healthy respect of water is important as well. Constant reassurance is key.
Q: How can parents help their children feel at ease around water, even if they didn’t have positive experiences as children themselves?
A: Parents and caregivers can help by using bath time as a way of learning simple skills like putting their face in the water.
An example to help the child: A parent can put their face in the water first to demonstrate it then encourage the child to do the same. Work up to blowing bubbles. Consider taking an infant water class where caregivers can take turns being in the water with the children.
Q: At what age, and how, should parents start talking to their children about water safety?
A: Parents shouldn’t wait to begin teaching water safety and can begin when the child is very young, even before they learn to speak. That said, any time a there is an opportunity to demonstrate or reinforce a safety lesson they should do it.
Teenagers especially are vulnerable to extreme risk-taking and will need help to stand up to peers who may pressure them to do unsafe activities.
Parents should educate themselves about the risks of weather and climate on water activities. An example is the water temperature of northern New England, which rarely gets above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, except for a brief time in the summer. Work with all ages to require life jacket use at all times and explain how this can help them survive exposure.
Q: How can parents help older adolescents and teenagers who are fearful around water?
A: Don’t pressure them. Your own fears may be getting in the way so try finding someone trained in water safety, like a swim instructor, to help them gain confidence.
Learning to swim yourself. Being able to show you aren’t afraid may encourage the child to become more comfortable.
Talk to them about their fears (and yours if you have them).
As an example, you may find out that they are afraid of what they can’t see under the water in a natural body of water, especially if they have spent all of their water time in a pool. Once you know the fear, you can address it more readily.
Q: When people think water safety, they might automatically think of learning how to swim. What other aspects of water safety should parents be aware of?
A: First, supervision is key to preventing any water emergency! Not just at a pool or lake, but also around the home and during tubby time.
Parents should understand basic rescue techniques and know CPR. This may enable them to help other children, not just their own.
Assign a “Water Watcher” anytime you need to take a break, someone who knows they are now responsible for watching your kids. Take turns with this.
Climate and weather are important. Lightning and hypothermia are very real and common risks. So is sunburn, especially as the water reflects the sun’s rays.
Life jackets are key and not only for boating. Wearing one while fishing on a shoreline and at a beach can avert tragedy. Water wings, pool toys and inner tubes are not substitutes for a properly fitted and worn life jacket.
Empty all buckets immediately after use and tip over anything capable of holding water outside after a storm. Children can drown in as little as an inch of water so heed the safety warnings on buckets and barrels.
Q: How can teaching children water safety help them as adults?
A: Water safety skills can help them when they have their own children and improve their confidence. It could lead to a job. Skills can help them help others. And it gives them a way to not only recreate, but stay healthy for a lifetime.
Q: What are misconceptions parents might have about water and water safety?
A: That drowning is a warm weather occurrence only. That water wings and “floaties” are a suitable substitute for a life jacket. That they will be able to recognize what drowning looks like.
Drowning isn’t like the movies, no one will be shouting help and may even look like they are playing. Drowning is silent and caregivers should be within an arm’s reach of younger children and those that do not know how to swim.
Q: What advice do you have for parents who are overwhelmed about where to start when teaching their children about water safety?
A: Go slow, let the child learn at their own speed.
Talk to your pediatrician about water safety.
Learn some basic rescue skills.
Don’t hesitate to get help with swim lessons.
Try to find other parents with similar age children to do water activities with; children learn from each other and so do adults.
Enjoy your water time with the kids, and don’t overdo it.
