Water Safety Kilmovee NS All Classes June 8-6-2020
Dear parents,
This week we are going to focus on Water Safety. We are directing all classes to the PAWS programme. PAWS stands for Primary Aquatics Water Safety. It is a free educational resource for primary schools which outlines life-saving guidelines for children of every age and is available digitally. It teaches children how to be safe around water in homes, farms, pools, beaches and on our waterways. This is the programme that we cover with our pupils in school this time every year. It is REALLY important to cover this content with your child/children. I am aware that broadband connectivity can be poor from time to time in some areas, so I am listing the important points from the programme. But – if you can – please take a look at the online material as it is presented in a fun, attractive and child-friendly format. https://watersafety.ie/primary-school/
Important rule: S A F E Stay Away From Edges (from all types of water).
Baths/Paddling pools: Sit down or you could fall. Always have a grown-up with you. Baths and paddling pools should always be emptied after they are used.
Water/Rain barrels/water tanks/wells/ponds: These should be covered by wire mesh. Stay away – you could fall in and/or get stuck. Farms are not playgrounds, stay away from drinking troughs and avoid slurry pits.
Swimming Pools: Stay at the shallow end of the pool. (Can your feet touch the bottom?). If you are in an unfamiliar swimming pool, check which the shallow end is and which the deep end is. Always do what grown-ups say. Don’t jump right in and don’t jump on anyone in the pool. Don’t push, shove or be too noisy.(If you are shouting, people might not be able to hear the lifeguard). Walk slowly, don’t run. If you are old enough to read, look for the signs posted in the swimming area and follow the safety instructions. Be aware of wet and slippery surfaces around the edge of the pool.
Seaside/ Beach: Don’t go too far out in the water (no higher that waist depth). Do not go into water alone, always have a grown-up supervising. Make sure you can see the lifeguard. Never bring mattresses into the water. Unless you are a very good swimmer, wear armbands. Don’t swim if you are hot or tired. Swim parallel to the shore. Never swim after anything drifting (ball/ floating toys/ model boats). Never use inflatable toys in open water. Know your flags: Red and Yellow Flags = safe to swim (in between the flags) Red Flag = Danger (Do Not Swim) No Flag = Do Not Swim Only swim where there is a lifeguard on patrol and always follow his/her instructions.
Rivers/canals/quarries: Be aware – these places can be full of germs. Remember: S A F E! Our seas, rivers and lakes have hidden currents, unexpected depths and unpredictable breezes. River banks are slippery and rivers can be deep. The river bank/edge of lake can crumble away suddenly and the water can be very cold. Never reach for something that has fallen into a river/pond/lake. Boat Always wear a life-jacket on a boat (get an adult to check that it is fitted properly). Don’t mess about on a boat and make sure an adult is with you.
Older children: Always keep an eye out for someone in trouble (someone struggling to swim, someone floating away on an airbed, someone chasing a ball out to sea, someone stuck on sand surrounded by water). NEVER try to rescue anyone yourself. Call a lifeguard or an adult or phone 999/112. Explain the problem, give the address/location and ask for the Irish Coastguard. (NOTE: Do you know your eircode?) On a smartphone, enable location, click on the map icon, press on the blue dot and you will see a red pin with coordinates. Give them to the operator. Shout for help. Throw a Buoy. Shout and wave to get attention. Finally…. Apply sun protection (Factor 50) and stay hydrated. Always enter water feet first and keep beach areas litter free.
For most people summer means days at the beach, enjoying the sun and the sand. We hope you get an opportunity to do so over the coming months. By following the above tips, you and your family will have a safe and happy time.
Continue to stay safe and well,
Mary Warde.