As Baby Safety Month unfolds in the UAE, it is the perfect time for parents and caregivers to take a step back and reevaluate one of the most critical aspects of baby care—water safety. Whether you're bathing your little one, enjoying time by the pool, or visiting the beach, ensuring your baby’s safety around water cannot be overlooked.
While water can provide opportunities for fun and bonding, it also poses significant risks, especially for infants and toddlers who are naturally curious but not yet capable of understanding danger. Given the hot climate in the UAE, families often find themselves by pools or beaches, making it even more crucial to adopt safety measures.
Why Water Safety Matters
According to the World Health Organization, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental injury-related deaths in children under 5. Even an inch of water in a bathtub or a shallow pool can pose a danger to babies. This makes constant vigilance and proper safety measures essential to prevent tragic accidents.
In the UAE, where swimming pools are common in residential areas and the allure of beach outings is strong, parents must adopt water safety practices diligently. Whether it's a casual bath or a fun day at the pool, vigilance can save lives.
Water Safety Checklist for Parents
Here’s your essential checklist for keeping your baby safe around water:
- Secure Water Features at Home: Ensure pools, ponds, jacuzzis, and water features are gated, fenced, or locked. Always supervise when your baby is near water.For more details, please visit Dubai Municipality.
- Restrict Neighbor Access: If your neighbor has water features, make sure your baby cannot access their garden unsupervised.
- Monitor Water Access at Other Homes: When visiting friends or family, always supervise your baby around water features at their homes.
- Learn CPR: Be familiar with the signs of drowning and learn basic first aid, including CPR. You may sign up for short courses offered by some reputable institutions across U.A.E.
- Stay Vigilant Around Water: Babies can drown in as little as 5 cm of water, so even shallow paddling pools can be hazardous.
- Safe Bathing Practices: Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a moment.
- Adult Supervision Only: Always have an adult supervise your baby around water. Never leave this responsibility to other children.
Bath Time Safety Tips
Bath time is a perfect opportunity to bond with your baby, but safety should always come first. Here are a few tips:
- Prepare Essentials in Advance: Have all the necessary items (towel, nappy, lotion, etc.) ready before starting the bath.
- Check Water Temperature: Bath water should be 37-38°C. Use your elbow or a thermometer to check.
- Never Leave Baby Unattended: If you need to step away, take your baby with you.
- Avoid Bath Seats: While helpful, bath seats can create a false sense of security. Always supervise your baby.
- Use a Non-Slip Mat: When your baby starts to stand, use a non-slip bath mat to prevent falls.
Safe Water Play for Babies
Water play is a great sensory activity for babies, especially in warmer months. Here’s how to keep it safe:
- Water Sensory Play: Use water trays, sprinkler mats, and play tables, but always supervise your baby.
- Splash Parks: Supervise your baby closely at splash parks, and make sure they’re wearing a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, and non-slip shoes.
- Beach Safety: Always stay close to your baby at the beach and closer to where Life-Guards are stationed. Watch out for shallow water and keep them away from strong currents
- Paddling Pools: Babies can drown in as little as 5 cm of water. Always supervise and drain the pool after use.
Baby Pool Safety Tips
Swimming can be a great experience for babies, even from a young age. Here are some safety tips for pool visits:
- Start Swimming Lessons Early: Babies can begin swimming lessons from birth. Ensure the instructor is trained in infant swimming.There are plenty of reputable
- Be Cautious with Flotation Devices: While useful, flotation devices are not a substitute for adult supervision.
- Check Pool Temperature: For babies, pool water should be at least 30°C, or 32°C for newborns and smaller babies.
- Check Surroundings: Watch out for hazards like slippery surfaces or objects near the pool, and always supervise your baby, even if a lifeguard is present.
Water Safety and the UAE Climate
The warm weather in the UAE often encourages families to spend more time near pools or at the beach. While these are wonderful ways to cool down and enjoy quality time outdoors, they also come with added water risks. Heat can also cause fatigue more quickly in children, making them vulnerable in water, even when they're strong swimmers.
Ensuring that your baby stays hydrated and wearing appropriate swim gear, like floatation vests designed for infants, can provide an extra layer of safety while in the water.
By following these water safety practices, parents in the UAE can help protect their babies from water-related accidents during Baby Safety Month and beyond.
