"Fun and Safety Tips When Camping Near Water"

Children love to play in water so one of the best camping sites should contain a safe play area with water. This can be a fenced in swimming pool, beach, lake or stream. Even though this area may be deemed safe, there are still things you and your child should know and do to make sure no harm comes to them in the water.

Firstly, they should be taught not to run around a swimming pool. The wet edges can be quite slippery and if they fall in they could easily bang their head, or cause injury to someone else already in the water. Little ones should never be allowed near water without parental supervision and even then they should wear a floatation device of some kind. Even older children who can swim should be under supervision whilst in the water. Never allow them to swim alone.

Teach your children to swim as early as possible and train them in basic water rescue. Even knowing to throw a blow- up ring or a ball to someone in difficulties could save their life. Show them how to throw out a towel and use it to tow someone in to the edge. Get them to practice it a few times. Never let your child dive into a river or lake at the edge where it might be shallow or rocky.

Children seem to like to play with balls in the pool, but this is not safe if there are other people trying to have fun. They are likely to be so busy watching the ball that they cannon into others, and if a tennis ball is used, it can cause a painful injury. Those light balls that can be blown up are best, but these tend to blow away if played with on the open beach or river.

Teach your children to respect wild water. That is, water in the lake, sea or river. Lakes and oceans can have strong currents running under water that looks still and inviting. Show your children how to swim diagonally to get out of the river if they feel they are being washed downstream. Children will quickly become exhausted if they try to swim back upstream.

Fun activities with water need not always include swimming. There are boating and surfing, not to mention simple play such as paddling and water fights. If you take children out in a boat, be sure they always wear a lifejacket. Once your children know a few safety rules, you can enjoy a greater peace of mind when camping near water.