In Thailand there are many water hazards we need to be careful about, including beaches, swimming pools, rivers, klongs, lakes, swamps and water parks. Every year we should review water safety and what we can do to prevent injuries and fatalities.
General Guidelines:
- Never swim alone and always have adult supervision when children are swimming.
- Always know the depth of the water you are entering. Especially if you are diving.
- Always stay at a safe depth for your swimming ability.
- Use age/ability appropriate flotation devices if required but remember that these are not life saving devices and do not replace close adult supervision.
- Avoid swimming for 30 minutes following a meal. Do not eat or chew gum when swimming (due to the risk of choking).
- Avoid repeated prolonged underwater swimming. Do not hyperventilate prior to underwater swimming. This is to decrease the chance of Shallow Water Blackout. This is a problem that tends to occur in competent swimmers trying to improve performance, children trying to swim laps under water and in spearfishermen and freedivers.
- If possible swim where there is a lifeguard on duty. Be aware that lifeguards at pools may not manage behaviour and be as vigilant as lifeguards in other countries. A lifeguard is not a substitute for close adult supervision.
- As a supervising adult consider doing a CPR course.
- Never swim in the dark.
- Never swim if you have been consuming alcohol or any other drug that may affect your concentration.
- Never swim when there is thunder or lightening in the area.
- Ensure you and your child can swim. Get swim lessons if required.
- Be aware of the risk of sunburn and heat illness. Ensure use of sunscreen and rash guards and drink plenty of water.
Swimming Pools:
- If possible enclose pool with fences and self closing gates.
- Never run around pools
- Never push someone into a pool and ensure when jumping in there is nobody close by.
- Consider wearing goggles as some pools may not be as clean as they should be.
Lakes/Rivers/Ponds:
- Make sure you know the currents in the water you are swimming in.
- If possible ensure the waterways are clean and free of toxins or certain bacteria or amoeba.
- Consider the use of water shoes to protect feet from sharp rocks and broken glass.
- Be aware of potential snags at the bottom of rivers and if caught pull leg slowly out (do not pull quickly as the increases the risk of getting caught).
- If on boats always wear life jackets.
Beaches:
- Be aware of currents and rips. Ensure all swimmers know what to do if caught in rip (swim diagonally out with the rip…..never swim against it).
- Understand flags on beach
- Red and yellow flag: lifeguard on duty. Swim between the flags
- Black and white flag: Surfboard and other water craft zone between flags. Do not swim here.
- Green flag: Low hazard. Calm conditions
- Yellow flag: Medium hazard. Be cautious. Moderate surf and/or currents
- Red flag: High Hazard. Unsafe. Do not enter the water.
- Always face to waves…..do not stand with your back to them.
- Be aware of jellyfish and other dangerous sea life that may be in the water. Either carry vinegar with you or know where you can access a “Vinegar Station” (on some beaches in Thailand) to help treat jellyfish stings.
- Do not swim near piers as the currents may be unpredictable and at risk of being hit by boats etc.
Waterparks:
- Always read safety instructions and follow them. Follow instructions of staff.
- Wear a life jacket if not a strong swimmer.
- Always wear a helmet if required to.
In Thailand we have hot weather and enjoy “cooling off” in the water. Following the above guidelines with limit the risk of injury and death for you and your family.
ISB is committed to your child’s overall development, both educationally and health related. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider or the ISB Health Clinic (nurse@isb.ac.th).
