Swimming Rules / Safety
Water can bring a lot of fun and joy but also comes with certain risks. Compared to something like road traffic, these risks are relatively minor. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of the dangers in swimming pools, and by following a few simple rules of behavior, the existing risks can be significantly reduced.
First and foremost, we’d like to emphasize that safety should always be the top priority. That’s why we’ve carefully selected exercises for the Swimy Swim System that pose very little risk of accidents for children. However, it’s essential to consider factors such as the child’s swimming abilities, the local conditions (lake, indoor pool, outdoor pool), and the parents’ understanding of water safety, as these significantly influence the safety of each exercise.You must assess the risks of each exercise for yourself. We cannot assume liability for the use of our program. In the following sections, we outline the most important safety aspects for swimming pools.
General Duty of Supervision
What many parents are unaware of, and what must be emphasized first and foremost, is their legal duty of supervision for their children. You are responsible for supervising your children, not the lifeguard. This is mandated by law and makes practical sense. A lifeguard often has to oversee hundreds of swimmers and cannot watch everything at once.
Therefore, never take your eyes off your children.
Swimming Accidents
The most common swimming accidents occur due to tripping, slipping, or jumping into the water. The floors in indoor and outdoor pools are extremely slippery, and there are hard edges everywhere. Serious accidents can happen, especially when jumping into the water without paying attention. This applies both to jumping from the pool edge and from diving boards.Lastly, water slides should also be mentioned. Accidents frequently occur here when swimmers do not maintain enough distance between individuals.
For these reasons, there are a few simple rules:
No running in the swimming pool area: This prevents slipping and falling on wet surfaces.
Follow "No Diving" signs: Always respect these warnings to avoid injuries.
Check before jumping: Always ensure that no swimmer is in the way before jumping into the water. For open water, never jump into murky or unclear water.
Observe slide rules: Always pay attention to traffic lights on water slides (if available). Otherwise, maintain enough distance to ensure it’s impossible to catch up with the person ahead.By following these rules, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer experience for everyone.
Drowning
Although very rare, children can drown even in crowded pools. The danger lies in the fact that many people have a completely incorrect perception of drowning due to movies and television. Drowning doesn’t involve frantic hand movements or the strength to scream. It is usually silent, and especially in children, it can easily be mistaken for a harmless dive.It’s essential for parents to understand that swim aids do not protect against drowning. Children should only go on lake or river excursions accompanied by swimming-competent adults and while wearing life jackets.
Therefore, once again: Never take your eyes off your child. Additionally, avoid taking any risks—when swimming in open water with your child, never venture far from the shore.This also applies to our exercises: Only perform exercises where you are absolutely confident that you can immediately assist your child out of the water at any time and under any circumstances.
Hypothermia, Illnesses, and Cardiovascular Health
These three points should also be carefully considered:
Hypothermia: Pay special attention to infants, as they cannot yet generate their own heat through active movement or shivering. Keep swimming sessions short and ensure they are properly dried and warmed afterward.
Germs and Bacteria: While pools, like any environment, can harbor germs, the chlorine in the water eliminates most of them. For infants, ensure the water meets drinking water quality standards to minimize health risks.
Cardiovascular Issues: Avoid sudden temperature drops, as they can stress the cardiovascular system. Additionally, refrain from eating at least 20 minutes before swimming to reduce the risk of complications.By being mindful of these aspects, you can create a safer and more enjoyable swimming experience for you and your child.
Stay mindful of how long your children spend in cold water and watch for signs of hypothermia. The first symptoms include discoloration of the skin, particularly on the lips, hands, and feet. For infants, a maximum of 20 minutes in the water is a good guideline.Additionally:Follow standard hygiene practices at the pool, such as showering and using the restroom regularly.Do not drink pool water.Avoid jumping into cold water when overheated.Refrain from eating up to 20 minutes before swimming.By adhering to these precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for you and your children.
What to Do in an Emergency
If an accident occurs at the swimming pool, it is crucial to remain calm and not act impulsively. The best course of action depends on the type of accident and your first aid skills. However, always seek help. Most swimming pools have an emergency button.Additionally:Ask those around you for assistance.Have someone notify the lifeguard. Assign another person to call emergency services. Ensure someone stays with the victim to provide care until professional help arrives. By coordinating efforts and acting methodically, you can ensure the situation is handled effectively and safely.
Always take a moment to familiarize yourself with the location of the lifeguard and emergency buttons whenever you enter a new pool.
