Whilst for some, half term ends today, many schools begin theirs. The promise of leisure and adventure beckons but with this also comes various safety considerations – Whether you’re planning a family getaway, or activities closer to home, or simply looking forward to some well-deserved rest.
The tragedy this week at Aberdeen Leisure Centre serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that children may encounter around water, as well as the risk associated with half-term activities. According to the RoSPA website, On average, 18, under-18s drown every year in the UK.
We’ve curated some essential safety tips and practical advice to keep safe this half-term, covering both water safety as well as the wider topic of half-term safety considerations.
Children and water
- Supervision is key: Children should always be supervised in the water. Although it’s tempting to think that they will be safe if they’re wearing a rubber ring or armbands – you should never rely on a buoyancy aid or inflatable. In fact, inflatables can sometimes be more dangerous as if they tip, children can struggle to right themselves. Always ensure you are in the water, within reaching distance. However, it’s not just in swimming pools, lakes and rivers that children require supervision. You should never leave them on their own in baths or paddling pools and always supervise any water play.
- Be Aware: Whatever your age, staying vigilant around water is crucial as drowning can happen quickly and surprisingly quietly and causes a frightening number of fatalities every year.
- Pools and paddling pools: Most swimming pools have various depths and it can be easy to misjudge where the shallow end stops and the deep end suddenly starts, especially in private pools that don’t have clear markings. Ensure you know the pool depths before your children jump in for the first time (in case it’s too deep or too shallow). Drowning can happen extremely quickly and usually silently, without any obvious signs of a struggle. Furthermore, a child can drown in just 2 cm of water, which is barely deeper than some puddles and considerably shallower than the average paddling pool.
- Lifesaving lessons: So – to make the most of your time in the water, start teaching your children to recognise and observe water safety signs such as no diving, no swimming or deep water as early as possible. Also, teach them to always follow the guidance provided by lifeguards and indicated by flags to show where it is safe at the beach. These basic lessons can be real life savers.
- When on holiday:
- Check the safety arrangements at the property in advance and choose pools that are fenced with locking gates.
- Check the property when you arrive to ensure there are no ponds and that the pool really is secure for your child.
- Always supervise children when they are playing in or near water and be sober.
- Teach children to swim from an early age
- Speak to your children about staying safe in ponds, lakes, rivers and seas and always deter them from diving into any unknown depths.
Home Safety
- If you’re staying at home, make sure your home is secure. Lock all doors and windows.
- If you have children staying home, establish clear rules and guidelines for their safety.
- Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working correctly.
Sun Protection & First Aid:
- If spending time outdoors, especially in sunny locations, use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect against harmful UV rays.
- Wear hats and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.
- Pack a basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.
Communication Plan:
- Have a communication plan in place, especially if you are travelling with a group. Ensure everyone has a way to stay in touch, including emergency contacts and establish meeting points if necessary.
Remember, these tips are general guidelines, and it’s important to adapt them to your specific plans and circumstances. Whether you’re travelling or staying at home, prioritising safety ensures a more enjoyable and stress-free half-term break.
