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Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in children. There have also been tragic bathroom accidents this year. A toddler in critical condition had to be flown to hospital in Olten this weekend. In Zug, a girl (6) was hospitalized after a swimming accident. Often these can be avoided.
The Swiss Life Saving Society (SLRG) explains to Blick what to look out for when bathing with kids and how to tell if something is wrong.
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That’s why children are at risk.
Many feel that children are at risk because they do not swim very well. Admittedly, this is true in some cases. But physics also carries a great risk – especially when it comes to young children. “Your head is relatively heavy compared to your body. This is why it can topple faster and often doesn’t straighten out on its own,” explains Christoph Merki, 41, SLRG media spokesperson. This is why small children can drown even in very shallow water such as a paddling pool if they fall forward.
Also, a lack of sense of direction can be fatal for children. Because: “The ability to assess dangers and act with foresight develops only around the age of ten,” explains Merki.
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How can accidents be prevented?
For this reason, the safety of children primarily depends on the guardians. To prevent accidents, the following applies to young children: parents should always keep an eye on them, keep them within reach at all times, and avoid distractions such as cell phones. Older children may have more free space depending on their swimming skills. However, parents should be vigilant.
It is also important to teach children to use water correctly to prevent accidents. Because good swimming skills reduce the risk of drowning. Merki recommends introducing children to water as early as possible under supervision. For example, through water games or professional swimming courses for babies and children.
The expert also recommends: “You should always follow the swimming and river rules of the Swiss Lifesaving Association SLRG and use common sense.” Only when they can swim well and safely should you dare to take children into open waters with good preparation and the right equipment.
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How safe are water wings?
Many parents think that armbands are the ultimate guarantee of safety for children. But Merki very bluntly says, “Life vests are always better.” Because: cuffs may fall off or lose air. It also simply keeps the arms above the water and allows forward tipping.
“Life jackets, on the other hand, stay in place and keep children in a safe position above the water,” says Merki. However, in order to do this job they need to fit and ideally have a crotch strap. This prevents the vest from sliding up. In addition, the lifting force of the vest should be adjusted according to the weight of the child. That’s why it’s best for parents to seek advice from a specialist store.
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Recognize difficult situations
It’s true that drowning in movies is often accompanied by a cry for help and floundering. But in real life, tragic accidents often happen quietly – especially when small children sink.
Merki explains why: “When children fall and put their heads in the water, there is no sound or scream, they lie motionless in the water because they do not yet know how to save themselves”. Therefore, it is quite possible for children to suffocate right next to their parents – without them noticing. A sedentary child should therefore be a warning signal for everyone.
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What should I do if I cannot find my child?
An emergency meeting point should be arranged with puppies in advance to prevent children from getting lost. If a child is lost anyway, every second counts. Merki advises: “It is important to remain calm and look around carefully for the child. You should notify your lifeguard immediately.” It may be helpful to inform other bathers as well. How does the child look? What clothes is she wearing? Other bathers can help call later.
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
