We all remember the stifling heat of some of our childhood summers and the fun ways in which you could create ways to cool down. I was very fond of water bombs and splash-guns. Chasing my friends and siblings out of the house with balloons filled with water, I would have so much fun waiting for the right time to unleash an attack that would result in drenched t-shirts and shorts followed by bellowed laughter under rays of sunshine.
My mom would sometimes hurry us to fill our backpacks with inflatable armbands and goggles in preparation for a trip down to the local open-air paddling pool. This is what summers are made of for children, they almost always should involve a swim, splash, frolic, or paddle in cool water, however innocent trips to fountains, pools, and other open-air water systems should be used and approached with extreme caution in China.
There have already been two reported incidents of children sadly losing their lives after innocent days out to have a splash in a pool or to visit a fountain display. Both incidents involved faulty wiring, which led to electrocution. Not only is it wise to be cautious of areas where water may contain electrical currents, for example at colorful water display fountains, but to be aware of the dangers of contaminated water.
To ensure that you and the family have a fun and safe summer around water-themed activities follow these tips:
#1 Ask the kids to take a step back
Kids are always curious and want to be right there in the thick of the action, especially when it comes to fun water-displays, in parks or other recreational areas. As a precaution ask your children not to touch the water and watch a display from a distance. If necessary hold your child’s hand to make sure there are no impromptu running off and splashing!
# Use public and other health and safety licensed pools
If the kids are out to get wet this summer then stay on the safe side of playing with and in water and take them out for a day at the pool. You may have access to a pool on your compound or have friends that do. There is plenty of health and safety checked pools in hotels, fitness clubs, and recreational centers that you can use for a small fee and in some cases for free when making other purchases on the premises.
#3 Look out for signage
Usually, a public pool or area with water where children can have access, (which is monitored and maintained) will have a display of instructions for use and a health and safety certificate. Look out for obvious signs that the area is looked after and suitable for activities like swimming.
#4 Check for cleanliness and use of chlorine
It’s not rocket science and just by applying a little common sense you can save your children from a potentially hazardous situation. Contaminated water often (but not in all cases) looks contaminated. Is the water your children want to play in clear or cloudy? Has the area been cleared of leaves and other debris? If visiting a public pool, is chlorine being used? Do not allow your children access if you feel unsure or it’s evident that the area is not clean or maintained.
#5 Do not leave your children unattended
This might seem like an obvious one, but the two fatalities I mentioned above involved unattended children. It only takes a second for a parent to innocently take their eyes off what their kids are doing on a day out. Try not to let the little ones get carried away in the summer sun and keep an eye on their every move, it could be the difference between having a fun and safe day out or a fall into the wrong kind of water or an innocent splash with a hand that leads to worse.
#6 Take a First Aid class
It’s always a good idea to first take and then continually brush up on your First Aid skills when you have children. It could be the difference between life and death. There are plenty of affordable classes that you can take at different professionally credited hospitals, which will also issue a certificate of completion. Check out Oasis Hospital which provides basic First Aid and CPR classes for both parents and Ayi’s for RMB 300. For more information or to register, email guo.wei@oasishealth.cn or call 010 5985 0432.
Photos: Pixabay
