To beat the heat, you may organize water activities for children. Here are a few ways you can keep children safe when playing near water:
- Always use close physical supervision during water play. Remain within arms-reach of children during water play. Do not engage in any other activity while supervising water activities.
- Closely follow child:staff ratios (recommendations here) in place in your state for engaging in water play with children.
- Lifeguards should be present in swimming areas but do not count toward child:staff ratios.
- Be sure that all pools meet pool safety requirements that prevent children from being entrapped in filters or other mechanisms.
- Personal flotation devices should be used when children are playing near bodies of water and pools.
- Teach children basic water and pool safety. Create a list of simple rules for children to follow when engaged in water play. Consider swimming lessons for children as well.
- When using sprinklers or splash pads, children should be reminded to walk. Pool shoes should always be worn to prevent slipping.
- If using water bins or tables, always use fresh water. Ensure that the water is discarded and refilled after each group. Avoid using five-gallon buckets.
- Make sure children don’t drink any water used for water play.
- Empty all bins, wading pools, and other standing water.
For the main article Summer Safety, CLICK HERE
For the article Keeping Children Safe from the Heat and Sun, CLICK HERE
For the article Keeping Children Safe While Gardening, CLICK HERE
For the article Keeping Children Safe on Walks and Field Trips, CLICK HERE
