No matter how good of a swimmer you claim to be, there are a few good tips for you to remember for your overall safety that you can remind your group you are with, whether it be grown adults, teens, or children.
- Review the swimming rules with your group before entering the water.
- Understand where you are swimming. For example, is it mud, seaweed, and or rock bottom? This can all make a difference in how you are in the water. Are there any sudden drop-offs?
- If have anxiety about swimming with children, I suggest you go to a life-guarded pool or beach.
- A rule that we always use for our children, is you don’t touch or bother anyone while swimming. Find rules that work for your family and stick with them – make sure everyone is aware of water safety.
- Everyone should always have a swimming buddy
- Children should be supervised at all times if you need to use the washroom – either bring everyone with you or get them out of the water.
- Listen to your body, if you get tired, make sure to take breaks. Keep well-fed and hydrated.
- Do your research and know where you are swimming. I recently took my family to an inlet of the ocean that had a posting for “Swimmers Itch”, apparently this happens every summer in this specific spot. We chose to go elsewhere. If it is a new place you haven’t gone to, it’s best to know about the place you are going to.
Happy Swimming!
MaryAnna xo
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
