Splish, Splash - Mouths of Mums

It’s been a scalding hot summer and as we continue to sizzle in the scorching sun, the temptation for families to beat the heat with a seaside break is a great one. And cooling off in a resort pool or splashing about in the refreshing ocean with your kids is not only a fun bonding activity but also teaches basic water skills that could save little lives.

Sadly, on average one child drowns every week in Australia (with nearly two-thirds of these under-fives), according to figures from the Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia. But with appropriate precautions and training, drowning accidents can be avoided. Your kids can start learning water skills from as early as three to six months old and it’s important to keep swimming training up even in the cooler months.

To find an accredited swim school close to you, visit http://www.austswim.com.au/welcome.aspx or www.swimaustralia.org.au. Personally, I’m a huge advocate for parents completing a child first aid course or, at the very least, learning resuscitation so they can respond quickly in the event of an accident. Visit www.stjohn.org.au or www.royallifesaving.com.au to find a course near you.

Here are a few other watery tips for your little fish to ensure your seaside holiday goes swimmingly.

Make water fun. You can help your baby learn to love the water and the basics of swimming at home in the bath by splashing and playing with bath toys. Try some simple exercises like laying bub on his back with his head on your shoulder and encouraging leg kicking and teaching him to blow bubbles.

Keep littlies warm. Use heated swimming pools to ensure baby doesn’t get too cold. If your tot starts to shiver, get him out of the pool immediately and wrap him up warmly. Dry baby off in the pool area as soon as he leaves the water and dress him in warm dry clothes.

Kit up. Make sure you take a swim kit with a couple of favourite bath toys to amuse bub in the water, a towel (the ones with the built in hood are awesome) swimming and regular nappies and dry warm clothes. Make sure you also pack a few healthy snacks, water and milk, because bub might be hungry and thirsty after all that splashing.

Disposable swimming pants are a great investment. Designed to hold accidents in and not swell like regular nappies, they’re the most hygienic way for a baby to enjoy swimming in a public place.

Make sure your children are ALWAYS supervised near water and if your little one has a cold or even seems a little off colour, avoid swimming until they’re well.

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.

116 Comments

- - Frankiielot said
  - 21 Aug 2022
    8:12 pm
We always watch our kids whenever they are near water.
They’ve been taking swimming lessons for almost a year now so hopefully they will be able to put what they are learning to use if needed.

- - mom111059 said
  - 30 Jun 2020
    9:51 pm
supervision is always needed to prevent drowning.

- - mom19782016 said
  - 23 Mar 2019
    2:04 pm
Definitely agree on the no running around wet places!

- - june11 said
  - 31 Jan 2016
    10:55 pm
There is a sign at the edge of soem pools do not run. I wish more parents would take notice and stop their little ones from doing it. I dread seeing one fall over on wet concrete and being injured. Our little one always seems to shiver in the pool during her lesson after just a few minutes. We are now putting a one piece rashiesuit over her ordinary bathers. It seems to be keeping her warmer. The strange part is she prefers the bath water cool, although that might change when the cold weather comes again.

- - mom81879 said
  - 30 Sep 2015
    7:19 pm
My kids love the water. If we’re not at the beach we’re at the indoor pool. They’re always supervised vigilantly

- - dannsbuild said
  - 22 Sep 2015
    11:13 pm
Its very good to know! Thanks for sharing this article!

- - mom94125 said
  - 05 Jan 2015
    1:05 am
my kids just adore water! they are learning how to swim and that really helps

- - priyachirag said
  - 01 Jan 2015
    9:48 pm
Really good tips with swimming season in full swing at the moment.

- - mom73211 said
  - 14 Nov 2014
    6:47 pm
Simple ideas and with summer just around the corner, a fantastic reminder!

- - mom56842 said
  - 26 Sep 2014
    8:59 am
DD started water lessons at 6 months of age, good to start water safety young.

- - neddie said
  - 09 Aug 2014
    11:27 pm
My children have had swimming lessons early I think it is important not only for their safety but also for their confidence and it’s lots of fun too.

- - skbou said
  - 27 Jul 2014
    10:31 am
I’ve tossed (yes literally) my kids in the pool before they could even walk, there was some reluctance & complaints at first but they’re water babies now & love it. I don’t think parents can be complacent though even if the kids are proficient in the water, they are still young & need to be watched at all times.

- - twinmum2 said
  - 31 May 2014
    6:06 pm
swimming lessons should be compulsory in Australia. Maybe it could become a school sport.
- ginoula5 replied
  
  24 Aug 2014 , 7:41 pm
  Totally agree, a definite requirement for all schools.
- - mom57522 said
  - 22 May 2014
    7:18 pm
Learning to swim is just one part of water safety.

- - kazh said
  - 21 May 2014
    8:58 pm
Too scary, I will always be overprotective

- - hopefullyheidi said
  - 17 May 2014
    4:03 pm
Wonderful article thanks for posting

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 16 May 2014
    11:27 am
thanks for the link to the acredited swim schools

- - Gracelow said
  - 12 May 2014
    8:52 pm
Disposable swimming pants for the toddlers, what a great idea!

- - mom57522 said
  - 11 May 2014
    10:21 pm
Being able to swim is a gift for life

- - Happymum-2 said
  - 11 May 2014
    7:23 pm
teach our kids to swim in school should be on the curriculum