The Six Layers of Protection for Maximum Pool Safety

Drowning is quick, silent and it’s 100 percent preventable. Sadly, according to the World Health Organization, an estimated 360,000 drowning deaths occur worldwide with children having access to water being among those at the greatest risk. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to pool safety. This is why drowning prevention advocates have developed what is known as the “Six Layers of Protection” for infants and children.

Layer 1: Stay Within Arm’s Reach of Your Child

Young children should never be left near a source of standing water without an attentive and responsible adult nearby. Pools and hot tubs are obvious sources of danger, but keep in mind that kiddie pools, bathtubs, and even water tables are a risk to the youngest and most vulnerable among us.

Layer 2: Adult Supervision Is a Must

When kids are near water, there should be a minimum of one adult “water watcher” present at all times. This individual should have his or her attention fixed on the pool. This means no smartphones, no books, no distractions.

Layer 3: Teach Children How to Survival Swim

A common misconception is that children under the age of four are incapable of learning how to swim. This couldn’t be further from the truth. And the American Academy of Pediatrics recently changed their stance to reflect the fact that children around the age of 1 are capable of learning lifesaving survival swim techniques. 

Texas Swim Academy offers Survival Swim lessons taught by trained swim experts. Not only do these lessons help your little one feel more comfortable in the water, but they will also learn how to safely roll from front to back in case of an emergency situation and float calmly in the water until they are rescued.

Layer 4: Create Several Pool Safety Barriers

The more walls – both physical and metaphorical – you can put between people and the pool, the better. All pool fences, gates, alarms, and drains should meet governing regulations. Potential escape routes like pet doors should be removed or secured. Pool and hot tub covers should be sturdy and not collapse should a little one crawl on top of it.

Layer 5: Make Pool Safety Equipment Easily Accessible

Lifesavers aren’t a decoration for your pool area. They’re a valuable drown prevention tool. Other pieces of pool safety equipment to keep nearby includes buoys, throw ropes, pool safety signs and a first aid kit.

Layer 6: Learn CPR

Older children, teens, and adults are all capable of learning CPR. Take the time to learn and then review lifesaving rescue techniques and strategies before each pool season, or at least once a year. Standard first aid and CPR courses are taught in every city and can easily be found with one quick internet search.

For more information about Texas Swim Academy’s Survival Swim lessons and other swim programs for kids and adults, we welcome you to give us a call at (832) 437-6186.

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer. 

Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.

Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy. 

Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.