UAE summer: 10 safety tips for parents, childcare providers to prevent drowning

UAE summer: 10 safety tips for parents, childcare providers to prevent drowning

Hanging out in swimming pools and beaches is a great way for families and children to beat the heat. However, parents and childcare providers must prioritise water safety measures and prevent incidents of drowning.

Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has provided some tips that parents must be aware of when taking their children to swimming pools or beaches.

- Always supervise your children when they are in or near water. Make sure your children wear life jackets or floatation devices when they are in a pool or at the beach.

- Teach your children how to swim and ensure they understand the importance of never swimming alone. Ensure your children know the dangers of rip currents and waves and how to avoid them.

- Keep the pool area secure by installing a fence or barrier around it to prevent children from accessing it without adult supervision.

- Make sure children are aware of the rules for the pool area, such as no diving, no running, and no horseplay.

- Keep rescue equipment, such as a life preserver or rescue pole, close to the pool in case of an emergency.

- Teach children to enter and exit the pool safely. They should use steps or a ladder