this week is the RNLI's drowning prevention week. To help spread awareness we've put together this list of safety skills your swim! baby learns in the water without you even realising....
1) splashing into the water from pool side
this mimics little one falling into the water but in a safe and controlled environment.
2) holding onto the side of the pool
a solid surface gives stability for little swimmers in water and is easier to grasp on to. If they ever needed support in the water this helps teach swimmers to grab onto the side.
3) holding on to the large floats
in comparison to the above, this wobbly surface would mimic any floating object they can grab on to if ever needed
4) travelling along the wall to a point of safety
moving one hand then the other along the wall to move safely around the pool
5) floating on their bacls
we encourage our swim! babies to keep very still in the water. this helps swimmers stay calm and breath normally in the water
6) climbing out of the pool
we encourage using their elbows, tummy, and knees to make sure they are low to the ground to avoid tripping/falling on a slippery poolside.
For more info head to the RNLI's website: www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/drowning-prevention-week-campaign