Ah, summertime. There is nothing that calms an overheated and cranky toddler like a dip in the pool, lake, river, ocean, or even the bathtub. It is important to play it safe around water, and most parents know the basics of water safety. Things like supervising your toddler’s watery adventures, making sure your toddler gets out of the water before they get too cold, and teaching your toddler how to be safe in the water are probably second nature to most parents. There are some hazards, though, that you may not necessarily know about.
Recently, at least one child that I know of became seriously ill from swimming in the river next to the park in our town. Many people swim in that area, but I have not taken Dylan there because I feel like I can not keep him safe in the water while I am carrying his baby brother in a front carrier or sling. After hearing about the child that got sick, I am so glad that I have not taken him swimming there.
Rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams can contain disease – causing microorganisms like E. Coli and Giardia. These are serious illnesses when adults get them, and they can be very serious and even deadly when small children are affected by them. As much as we instruct our kids to not swallow any water, they inevitably ingest some of it and even a small amount can make a small person very sick. It is a good idea to check whether the water at the place where you plan to swim with your toddler is tested for these microorganisms on a regular basis. Choosing swimming places where you know that the water quality is regularly monitored and obeying all posted advisories and warnings can help you to keep your toddler healthy this summer.
Photo by phaewilk on morguefile.com.