Mom’s morning minute: the safety of swimming around Remembrance Day

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Remembrance Day weekend is approaching in a few days, and many pools will open in the summer. May will also be the National Water Safety Month.

This week’s mom’s morning Christine Palmer from Goldfish Swimming School gave some tips and reminders before your kids get back in the water.

She says we need to remember that children and adults should never swim alone. Palmer, unfortunately, says that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death of children under the age of 4 and the second leading cause of accidental death of children under the age of 12.

Palmer advises being labeled a “water observer”. This person should know that he is on duty, similar to a lifeguard, and remove all distractions such as magazines, books and cell phones. According to Stop Drowning Now, 23% of children who drown happen during a family gathering by the pool.

If you are in a public pool, Palmer says to get acquainted with the rules of the pool with the children and show where the lifeguards are. She also recommends a bright swimsuit for kids, especially if you’re going to a lake or ocean where the water can be darker.

Life jackets can be vital for children. Palmer says exchanging swimming trunks for life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The seal can be found on the life jacket.

Palmer recommends swimming lessons for kids and for building muscle memory to know what to do when you’re in trouble. She says children who take lessons and practice basic techniques reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.