Swim Safety – Ideas to Help Keeps Kids Safe

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Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, many public spaces and private homes have opened up their pools for the summer season. Pools and areas where there is water can be a dangerous place for kids, especially non-swimmers. Keep your kids safe in and around water by teaching them safety rules and keeping them in protective gear.

Protect your kids (and yourself) from the sun and painful burns. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one bad childhood sunburn more then doubles the chances of developing skin cancer later in life. Babo Botanicals has a line of sport and swim products desinged to protect and rehydrate your children’s skin while spending time in the sun. The new Clear Zinc Sunscreen (in green bunny packaging your kids will love) has both a sunblock cream and easy to carry stick that contain zinc oxide, an all natural mineral that both protects and is less likely to irritate your child’s skin. Many children have skin that is easily irritated by the chemicals in sunblocks, so natural products like these are a lifesaver in the summer. After a long day in the sun, refresh and rehydrate your child with the Organic Cucumber and Aloe Vera shampoo and body wash, also tear free. It is created to remove chlorine, salt, and other grime as well as replenish skin and scalp. If your child gets dry hair as well, there is even a conditioning spray. These products are certified organic, soy, dairy, chemical, and nut free, and made in the USA. For more information, go to http://www.babobotanicals.com

Rashgaurds and hats- another way to protect against the summer sun. One place I recently discovered that had a fantastic line containing nearly every sort of bathing suit, rashgarud, and hat imaginable is Polarn O. Pyret . Yes, the name is funny (Sweedish) but the line is vast. The best part is that you can mix and match products to create exactly what you are looking for. Want a long sleeve swim top and shorts, all 98% protective of UV rays? Or perhaps you prefer a one piece, or a rashgarud top and girls regular bottoms. You can find what you want in matching colors, and even hats that go along. Great for boys, girls, and babies. For more information, go to http://www.polarnopyretusa.com/

Looking for fast, easy swimwear that protects from the sun? Khols has tons of options, and is easy on the wallet. You can get a 2 piece boys swim trunks and rashgaurd (50% UV rays protection) for just $24, girls rashgaurd top and matching bikini bottom for $25.20. These come in ready made sets, which makes shopping easy if you already know what you want. For more information, go to http://www.kohls.com

Footwear- protect your child’s feet at the public pool, waterpark, or beach with rubber bottomed, quick drying water shoes with good traction. The best brand we have found thus far is Speedo, available from toddler through adult sizes from $16.95. These were easy to get on and off, stayed on once put on, and had great traction when acting like a kid and running around at the spray park.

For non swimmers, or those going out boating or rafting, swim vests are a must. There are many options available, depending on your child’s size, age, and weight. Speedo has several options available, two of which are the classic swim vest and the Begin To Swim Polywog suit. The classic vest cuts down on the bulk, which helps when packing for a trip or just going out for the day, and makes practise’s swimming strokes easier, while still keeping your child afloat. Zips up the front with a strap between the legs for easy on and off (bathroom trips are no issue). The Polywog suit comes with boy’s or girl’s bottoms attached, and has large foam inserts in the chest to encourage the swimmer being in the upright position. Both have UV protection of 50%. For more information, go to http://www.speedousa.com

Yep, he’s strutting. And he likes his Speedo goggles as well- they are supposed to be one color or the other- he mixed them up. Funny kid…

For parents of small children, Puddle Jumpers swim vests will excite them. Only for kids 30-50 pounds, the Stearns Kids’ Spongebob Puddle Jumper Life Jacket is great for helping your child learn to be confident in the water. It provides freedom of movement as well as stability and softness to prevent chafing. The adjustable buckles make this life jacket easy to put on and take off. It comes in many colors and designs, including the new Spongebob vest that caught the attention of plenty of kids at the pool. For more information, go to http://www.stearnsflotation.com

Practice swimming with your child- get in the water and practice, practice, practice. Have fun with your child as he or she learns to swim. Build their confidence and let them enjoy the water while learning to be safe in it. Kickboards are fun for kids while teaching them the basics. If they are ready to take the next step, try getting a fun kickboard that can keep them up and learning while having a great time. Melissa and Doug makes shark and dolphin kickboards that are great for both fun and learning- and you can let your child “hunt” (or chase) you around the pool as they work on their new skill. For more information, go to http://www.melissaanddoug.com