Water can be a source of fun and exploration for children of all ages. But it’s important to remember that water can also be dangerous, especially for babies and young children who can drown silently in just a few centimetres of water.

Here’s a guide to keeping your little ones safe around water, both at home and during outings, with an extra layer of security provided by Tiny Tags:

At Home:

• Bath Time: Be prepared! Gather everything you need (shampoo, soap, towels) before putting your baby in the bath. Never leave your baby or young child unattended, not even for a moment. Bath seats are helpful for support, but they are not safety devices. Don’t rely on your toddler to watch the baby while you step away. Tiny Tags stickers: Equip your child’s bathrobe or towel with a Tiny Tag. This way, if an accident were to happen and your child is unable to communicate, emergency responders can access vital contact information with a quick scan.
• The Garden: Empty paddling pools after use to avoid stagnant water. Consider converting ponds into sandpits, or ensure they are properly fenced and covered when not in use. Teach your children about boundaries and make sure they can’t access unsupervised bodies of water, including your neighbour’s pond.

Out and About:

• Supervise Older Children: While older children may be more confident in the water, they still need adult supervision. Teach them important safety skills like floating until help arrives.
• Choose Safe Locations: Encourage swimming in designated areas like public pools and beaches with lifeguards present.
• Open Water Dangers: Explain the risks of swimming in open water, including strong currents, unexpected depths, cold water temperatures, and hidden hazards beneath the surface.
• Beach Safety: Teach your children about the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags at the beach – these areas are patrolled by lifeguards for added safety.
• Inflatable Risks: Be aware that inflatables can easily be swept out to sea by strong currents. Adult supervision is crucial whenever children are using inflatables in the water.

Swimming Safety When Abroad:

• Research Local Conditions: Familiarise yourself with the beach or pool layout, rip currents, and any local safety signage before letting your child enter the water. Lifeguard presence may vary depending on the location.
• Unfamiliar Pools: Be extra cautious around unfamiliar pools, especially those without designated shallow areas.
• Unexpected Depths: Don’t assume water depth based on appearance alone. Always check the depth before allowing your child to enter a new body of water.
• If required use a swim nappy: Remember that regular nappies will absorb and retain water making them very heavy and a risk to the children.

Tiny Tags: An Extra Layer of Security:

• Peace of Mind: Tiny Tags provide an extra layer of security for your child, especially during outings and adventures. A Tiny Tag affixed to their swimsuit, wristband, or clothing allows emergency responders or helpful bystanders to access crucial contact information with a quick scan. This can be lifesaving in situations where a child is separated from their parent or guardian and unable to communicate.
• Pre-loaded Information: Tiny Tags can store vital information such as your name, emergency contact details, and even your child’s medical information. This can be critical for first responders to know in case of an emergency.

Remember:

• Constant supervision is essential, especially for babies and young children.
• Teach older children about water safety and the importance of responsible behaviour around water.
• Enrol children in age-appropriate swimming lessons to equip them with essential skills.
• Consider Tiny Tags as an additional layer of security for your child, offering peace of mind during water-based activities.

By following these simple tips and equipping your child with a Tiny Tag, you can ensure that your children enjoy water activities safely.