Summer Swim Safety
A few quick safety tips for this summer!
Summer is back again and it’s time to remind ourselves of all the swim safety that is so important to keep our little ones safe! From the best suits and life vests to a few simple safety tips. Here’s all that you want to know this year.
Suit Safety
Choosing the best color suit for the water!
I highly recommend checking out this swimsuit color test to help guide your shopping this year. While we love a good aesthetic, the best aesthetic is safety!
One piece vs Two piece
I found that I preferred a one piece suit for swim classes. You’re holding your little one the entire time and the one pieces don’t pull up and move around. If you do opt for a two piece suit, consider a rash guard. It’s so important to protect your little one’s sensitive skin from the sun. Rash guards offer some extra protection for both boys and girls.
Life Vests and Floaties
When to Skip the Life Vest
While there are times that a life vest is required, there are also times when not wearing one might actually be the safer option. When learning to swim, it’s best to not use a vest at all. This allows your little one to get a feel for the water and learn how their body acts in the pool. Having your little one wear a life vest all the time can unfortunately give them a false sense of confidence before they’ve actually learned to swim.
When to Use a Life Vest
Obviously anytime you’re on a boat, your little one needs a vest! I also think it’s best to put them in a vest in any situation where accidents are more likely to happen. In my opinion, unless your plan is to stay in the water holding your child the entire time, you might want to consider having them wear a life vest.
In addition, there might also be times when you are going to be with them, but you choose to have them wear one anyway. We recently went to a waterpark and I had my son in his vest in the lazy river. Even though I was holding him in my lap while sitting in a tube, I felt more comfortable knowing he was wearing his life vest.
Life Vest Info
Be sure you are getting a coast guard approved vest
Look into the different types (type I, II, III and more) to see which fits your activity
Reconsider a puddle jumper - current research suggests these kinds of flotation devices put your child is the “drowning position” while swimming
Quick Tips/Reminders
Swim diapers only hold #2- use this trick for traveling
Choose a safe towel - wearable towels, like these, are safer when walking around
Water shoes for hot days - we recently got these for our little guy
Sunblock is only for 6 months and up (but of course talk to your doctor!)
Disclaimer
All of this information is based on my own experience and my own searching online. As always, do what is best for your family, consult your doctor, and do your own research.