Summer is the perfect time for a trip to the outdoor pool or the beach. Your children love splashing around in the water and enjoying the sun. There are a few things to bear in mind so that you have a great and, above all, safe time together. Here are some valuable tips to ensure an unforgettable and safe day in the water.
Swimming ability of the children
Before you go into the water, check that your children can swim safely. If they are not yet confident swimmers, they should wear buoyancy aids such as water wings or life jackets. A safe swimmer in Germany has usually acquired the bronze swimming badge under the supervision of an authorized examiner. Unfortunately, the number of children passing this test is decreasing - due to the lack of specialists for swimming lessons and the closure of swimming pools. As a result, fewer and fewer children are able to swim safely, which can lead to dangerous situations.
Duty of supervision
Never leave your children unattended in or near the water. Even if there are lifeguards on site, the responsibility for supervising your children remains with you. A well-fitting life jacket for smaller children is especially important if you are at the beach or in a large, open body of water. Even if your child can swim, a life jacket offers additional protection and gives you more security.
Sun protection
Protect your family from the sun by regularly applying sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) - ideally every two hours and after every time you spend time in the water. UV-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses offer additional protection. Find shady areas or bring a parasol to provide protection from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm. Regular breaks in the shade are important to avoid sunburn or heatstroke.
Hydration
Make sure your family drinks enough. Water is the best choice to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks, which can make you thirstier.
Emergency equipment
A well-equipped first aid kit should always be to hand. It should contain plasters, disinfectant, painkillers and tweezers. Brushing up on your first aid skills can be crucial in an emergency. Many organizations offer courses that are specially tailored to the needs of parents. This way, you are prepared for an emergency and can react quickly and effectively should something happen.
Responsible behavior
A safe and enjoyable outdoor pool or beach trip requires not only planning, but also knowing what to avoid. Alcohol can significantly impair your ability to react, which is especially dangerous if you are in charge of your children. A clear head is essential in order to react quickly and correctly to potential dangers. You should therefore largely avoid alcohol when you are out and about with your children. It is important to only swim in waters that you know and that you know are safe. Unfamiliar or unsafe waters may have strong currents or dangerous bottoms that you cannot see. Always pay attention to warning signs and avoid areas that you are not familiar with or that appear potentially dangerous.
A well-prepared trip to the outdoor pool or beach can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. By following these safety tips, you can ensure that the day at the water is not only fun, but also safe. Enjoy the summer and the time together, but stay vigilant and well prepared!
Germany Swims Foundation
A Forsa survey from 2023 shows a frightening picture: around 20% of children between the ages of six and ten cannot swim. The German Life Saving Association (DLRG) even assumes that 58% of children are not confident swimmers by the end of elementary school. The situation is particularly dramatic for children from low-income households: In families with a monthly net income of less than EUR 2,400, half of the children are absolute non-swimmers.
Alexander Gallitz has recognized this alarming development and, with his foundation Deutschland Schwimmt, has launched a mission to sustainably improve the swimming ability of children in Germany. The foundation works with various stakeholders such as the DLRG, the Wasserwacht and the German Swimming Association to counteract the lack of resources and ensure that every child learns to swim at an early age.
Many children are afraid of water, which impairs their ability to learn. In addition, the majority of swimming courses in Germany focus on breaststroke as the first basic skill, which is difficult for many children. The foundation is committed to ensuring that children can not only swim, but also move safely in the water and react correctly in emergencies.
The "Deutschland Schwimmt" foundation has made it its main task to ensure that safe movement in the water is a basic right for everyone in Germany - regardless of age, social, cultural or health background. This includes special courses and individual lessons for all age groups as well as the training and further education of swimming instructors, especially for people with disabilities.
Alexander Gallitz is not only involved as a volunteer swimming instructor, but also uses his skills in network building and marketing to spread the idea of safe swimming for everyone in Germany. The foundation attaches great importance to educational work on the subject of water familiarization in kindergartens and day-care centres and provides financial support to clubs, institutions and swimming instructors that pursue similar goals.
With his commitment to the foundation, Gallitz would like to return his gratitude to society and help ensure that no child in Germany is ever again in danger due to a lack of swimming skills. The mission of the "Deutschland Schwimmt" foundation is to make swimming a matter of course for everyone in Germany - and thus offer real life insurance.
If your child/children are not yet able to swim sufficiently, then take a look at the Deutschland Schwimmt foundation. On the website you will find tips on how you can start learning to swim in the bathtub.
