In Finland, we spend a lot of time by the water in our free time, and different bodies of water are present in most people’s everyday lives. Up to 150 – 200 people drown in Finland every year, and in addition, there are many times more so-called near-miss situations with lifeguard certification.
The most significant causes of drowning deaths are alcohol, insufficient equipment, poor personal functioning and swimming skills, and children not being supervised near the water. Drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death among children.
Swimming skills are cheap life insurance
Some of the children like to learn to swim with their own parents, but you can also get to know the secrets of swimming with guidance in swimming schools, which are organized in most places throughout the year either in the swimming hall or on the beaches in the summer. A good age to start swimming school is 5 to 7 years, but you can learn to swim at any age. Swimming schools and swimming technique courses are also organized for adults. So, if you are unsure of your own swimming skills, you should go boldly. Good swimming skills give the freedom to enjoy the water safely with the whole family.
A person who, after falling into deep water so that his head goes under the water and after reaching the surface again, swims continuously for 200 meters, 50 meters of which is on his back, is a good swimmer.
A few important water safety tips for parents:
Onshore
Keep an eye on the children by the water. A small child can drown in seconds, silently. Stay in the water at arm’s length and so that the child is between you and the shore. Actively participate in joint beach games. Make sure the place is safe to jump and swim. After the jump, teach your child to turn in the direction he was coming. For example, at the cottage, children can put on life vests when they come to the beach.
When practicing swimming, you can use various floating aids, such as hand floats or floating swimsuits. Please remember, however, that the aids in question are not rescue tools, and a child who cannot swim should not be left unsupervised, even if he knows how to move independently with them. The same applies to various inflatable swimming toys and mattresses.
At home
Remember to protect, for example, decorative pools, rainwater barrels, swimming pools and bathtubs in the home yard from small children. Always supervise wading children in the pool or hot tub. Also, don’t leave children unattended in the inflatable wading pool and always remember to empty the bathtub immediately after use. Water is interesting and it’s good to remember that a child can drown in water only a few centimeters deep.
While boating
Children should always wear traditional orange, red or yellow life jackets when boating. Flotation vests or so-called padded bras are not recommended for children. Children grow quickly, so when choosing a life jacket, you must always remember to check the child’s weight and choose the right size jacket. They must also be worn carefully. In particular, the crotch strap must always be closed so that the vest stays on when entering the water. It is also good to try out the use of life jackets with children in the water, so that the child does not panic in a possible real situation. Remember that when using a life jacket, you are setting an example for the children, whether you like it or not.
Safe beach play tips
Summer beaches attract families to spend time together by the water. There is fun on the beach for all ages. The water itself inspires play and that is why games related to getting wet are popular. Playing with stones and sand near the beach and exploring the bottom of the water are the best things of summer for many children.
Safety is emphasized on the beach, and an adult must constantly monitor children’s activities. An adult sets limits for children’s safe beach play, paddling, swimming and jumping. These limits are defined taking into account the child’s swimming skills and the characteristics of the beach. It’s a good idea to agree on shared game rules for the beach with your child, it increases safety.
