Children's swimming: Keep health risks at bay

Children's swimming: Keep health risks at bay

Is it risky for children to swallow pool water?

Your child is bound to take a few gulps of pool water at one time or another, especially when first learning to swim. A little swallowed pool water isn't cause for concern, but drinking too much pool water can make a child ill.

What's the best age to begin swimming lessons?

The American Academy of Pediatrics supports swimming lessons for most children age 4 and older. If you choose to enroll a child younger than age 4 in a swimming program, pick one that doesn't require placing his or her head underwater. This will limit the amount of water your child may swallow.

Can children swim when they're sick or have cuts and scrapes?

It's fine for children who have colds or other minor illnesses to swim, as long as they feel well enough to do so. Likewise, it's OK for children to swim with cuts and scrapes — as long as the wounds aren't bleeding.

What about swimming after eating?

It's OK to swim immediately after a light meal or snack. If your child feels lethargic after eating a heavy meal, encourage him or her to take a break before swimming.

Are hot tubs safe for children?

Children can quickly become overheated in a hot tub. Don't let your child use a hot tub until he or she is tall enough to keep his or her head above water while standing in the middle of the hot tub. Even then, hot tub visits should be brief — and never allow your child to submerge his or her head in a hot tub. Because high temperatures encourage the growth of certain microorganisms, an earful of water from a hot tub can lead to an external ear infection. Far worse, long hair can get caught in a hot tub grate and cause drowning.