With temperatures soaring, Somerset County Council is encouraging everyone to keep safe if planning on taking a cooling dip this summer
With Coronavirus restrictions easing and the summer holidays almost upon us, many people will enjoy paddling pools, wild swimming and water play.
They may also be heading to the county’s beaches and beauty spots but think safety around water. There are some simple things you can do to keep you and children safe while enjoying the water:
- Never leave babies and children in the water unattended.
- Consider the dangers of inflatables as they can very quickly be swept deeper out to sea.
- Find a safe place to enjoy the water and take a dip within lifeguarded areas if visiting a beach.
- Teach children water safety
- Explain the dangers of swimming in open water, including strong currents, deep, cold water and things under the surface they can’t see.
- Empty the paddling pool out after you’ve used it
- Turn a pond into a sandpit, or fence it in or cover it while your children are little
- Be alert to ponds or pools when visiting other people’s homes
Councillor Clare Paul, Somerset County Council member for health and wellbeing, said: “As a parent myself I know how much fun you can have with children around water and on a hot sunny day there is no better way to cool off.
“It is important, however, to understand the dangers and know how to enjoy it in a safe way, and so minimise the risk of running into trouble.”
Visit https://www.cypsomersethealth.org/ for tips on preventing child accidents.
Read the CAPT safety fact sheet at bit.ly/CAPTFS and then share what you’ve learnt with family, friends and colleagues.
For further information on managing child safety go to bit.ly/34fyV3v