From building core strength and a healthy physical foundation to improving flexibility and coordination, swimming is something every child should learn to do. As part of our well-child services in Cumming, we evaluate children’s well-being and understand the benefits of swimming and other physical activities. However, many parents naturally have concerns about taking a young child into the water. So when exactly is a good time to take your child to a swimming pool?
At What Age Should a Child Go Into a Pool?
Although there is no absolute guideline – the general consensus by Pediatricians and other health professionals is that babies under 6 months (some would say 12 months) should avoid swimming/pools.
Water safety is clearly important for all ages. Drowning was the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in US children from 1-19 years between 2000-2006 according to the CDC. Non-fatal drowning victims usually do well, but 5-10% have severe neurological damage. The highest rate of drowning is in 0-4 year olds, with half of the drowning occurring in swimming pools. Infants < 1 year have a high rate of drowning in bathtubs and large buckets of water. To prevent drowning, experts generally recommend “layers of protection” including:
- Adult supervision – a designated adult supervisor who is not distracted by other activities such as sun bathing, reading, or talking with other adults
- Pool fencing – separate 4-sided fencing isolating the pool from other structures including a house
- Pool covers – always totally removed during use and replaced after use
- Pool alarms
- Lifeguards
- CPR training
- Swimming instruction and water-survival skills
- Personal flotation devices – see “What Type of Life Jacket Should He Wear”
Potential concerns for infants and young children regarding pools and other recreational water include:
- Neonatal immunity
- Infectious water-borne agents especially gastrointestinal tract infections
- Skin problems including dermatitis and sunburn
- Acute respiratory illnesses including potential increased risk of asthma and bronchiolitis secondary to chlorination byproduct exposure
- Hypothermia – secondary to cool/cold water and air exposure
- Hyperthermia – secondary to high water temperature exposure in spas and hot tubs
- Hyponatremia – secondary to water ingestion
- Swim Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise and a major component of many spring break trips and summer break fun. But parents should remember that swimming also comes with risk. These risks include the obvious issue of water safety but also additional concerns such as sun damage. You can follow our sun protection tips for summer if your child is swimming outdoors.
Follow these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics to protect children from drowning. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that “all children should eventually learn to swim.”
The AAP supports swimming lessons for most children > 4 years of age. Some children may not be ready for various reasons until later than this age. For children < 1 year the AAP recommends these experiences be individualized. They state “…the current evidence is insufficient to support a recommendation that all 1 to 4-year-old children receive swimming lessons.”
Top Pool Safety Tips for Children
- Never leave children alone in or near the pool or spa, even for a moment; close supervision by a responsible adult is the best way to prevent drowning in children. Designate a “water watcher” who is not distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol to watch children in and near the water.
- Whenever inexperienced swimmers are in or around water, an adult – preferably one who knows how to swim and perform CPR – should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.”
- Install a fence at least 4 feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.
- The safest fence is one that surrounds all 4 sides of the pool and completely separates the pool from the house and yard. If the house serves as the fourth side of the fence, install an alarm on the exit door to the yard and the pool. For additional protection, install window guards on windows facing the pool. Drowning victims have also used pet doors to gain access to pools. Keep all of your barriers and alarms in good repair with fresh batteries.
- Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can’t reach. Consider alarms on the gate to alert you when someone opens the gate. Consider surface wave or underwater alarms as an added layer of protection.
- Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd’s hook – a long pole with a hook on the end — and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd’s hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.
- Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life jackets. Additionally, they can give children and parents a false sense of security.
- Children over age 1 may be at a lower risk of drowning if they have had some formal swimming instruction. However, there is no evidence that swimming lessons or water survival skills courses can prevent drowning in babies younger than 1 year of age.
- Everyone should learn to swim – Participation in formal swim lessons can reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning death by 88%
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend formal swim programs for children under the age of 1. At this age, parent/infant swim classes are a form of enjoyment and bonding as opposed to a water safety program.
- The decision to enroll a child over age one in swimming lessons should be made by the parent based on the child’s developmental readiness and exposure to water, but swim programs should never be seen as “drown proofing” a child of any age.
- Avoid entrapment: Suction from pool and spa drains can trap a swimmer underwater. Do not use a pool or spa if there are broken or missing drain covers. Ask your pool operator if your pool or spa’s drains are compliant with the Pool and Spa Safety Act. If you have a swimming pool or spa, ask your pool service representative to update your drains and other suction fitting with anti-entrapment drain covers and other devices or systems. See PoolSafely.gov for more information on the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
- Large, inflatable, above-ground pools have become increasingly popular for backyard use. Children may fall in if they lean against the soft side of an inflatable pool. Although such pools are often exempt from local pool fencing requirements, it is essential that they be surrounded by an appropriate fence just as a permanent pool would be so that children cannot gain unsupervised access.
- If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first.
- Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors.
Boating Safety Guidance for Children
- Children should wear Coast Guard approved life jackets at all times when on boats, docks or near bodies of water.
- Make sure the life jacket is the right size for your child. The jacket should not be loose and should always be worn as instructed with all straps belted.
- Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts and air mattresses should not be used as life jackets or personal flotation devices. Adults should wear life jackets for their own protection, and to set a good example.
- Adolescents and adults should be warned of the dangers of boating even as a passenger when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and even some prescription medications.
- Children follow your example, whenever you are on a boat – everyone, kids and adults should wear a life jacket.
Keep Your Children Safe With Our Open Water Swimming Tips
- Never swim alone. Even good swimmers need buddies!
- A lifeguard (or another adult who knows about water rescue) needs to be watching children whenever they are in or near the water. Younger children should be closely supervised while in or near the water – use “touch supervision,” keeping no more than an arm’s length away.
- Designate a “water watcher” who is not distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol to watch children in and near the water.
- Make sure your child knows never to dive into water except when permitted by an adult who knows the depth of the water and who has checked for underwater objects.
- Never let your child swim in canals or any fast-moving water.
- Ocean swimming should only be allowed when a lifeguard is on duty.
- Teach children about rip currents. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until you escape the current, and then swim back to shore.
- Be aware that pools and beaches in other countries may not have lifeguards, and pools may have unsafe drain systems. Supervise children closely.
- At the beach, stay within the designated swimming area and ideally within the visibility of a lifeguard.
- Be aware of rip currents. If you should get caught in one, don’t try to swim against it. Swim parallel to shore until clear of the current.
- Seek shelter in case of a storm. Get out of the water. Get off the beach in case of lightning.
Stay Safe With Sports and Camp Physicals
While swimming is often considered a low-impact and relaxing form of exercise, the potential for injuries or health concerns does exist. If your child is participating in a significant level of exercise, speaking to your pediatrician about sports and camp physical examinations could be wise. A physical can identify any possible health issues that would need to be addressed.
Keep Your Child Safe With Regular Pediatric Visits in Cumming
Vickery Pediatrics works with children of all ages, providing sick care appointments, well-child visits, immunizations and other vital services. Our dedicated pediatrics team works with families located in Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. For assistance, call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment now.
