Splash…Splash
Pools are awesome! What could be better than a dip in the pool and fun in the sun?
Keeping ourselves and our kids fit and healthy within the laws of Sharia is an important part of Deen(Islam).
The Messenger of Allah-Muhammad[peace be upon him)is reported to have said, "Teach your children swimming, archery and horse riding".[Hadith]
A child has a right to sustenance, education, and proper care. The parents or guardians are not permitted to neglect the child's needs nor to abuse it.The Prophet (peace be on him) said: "Each one of you is a caretaker (ra'iy) and is responsible for those under his care." (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14. Parents/guardians should not be fooled into thinking that their child is safe just because he/she knows how to swim. In a lot of cases accidents happened even though the child knew swimming. Accidents in the swimming pool can happen very suddenly without warning. It is very important that all parents follow these basic safety precautions especially if there is a swimming pool at home.
Drowning can happen so fast — sometimes in less than a minute after a person's head goes under the water. That leaves very little time for someone to help.
Some Handy Tips!
- Always make dua and ask Allah's help and protection before swimming. At least say : "Bismillah" (I begin in the name of Allah) and say " Oh Allah Grant me safety and protection from any harm and keep me always safe and healthy"
- Always ensure that the swim outfits appropriate within the expectable limits of sharia.
- Never - not even for a second, leave children alone around open standing water of any kind - Swimming Pool, Spa, Pond, River etc…
- Always know where your children are.
- Never rely entirely on a safety device or product - nothing can replace constant adult supervision.
- Never allow your children to swim alone or without an adult present.
- Check the pool first when your child is missing.
- Never think or assume that someone is watching your child unless you have designated an adult to watch the water.
- When entertaining or using the pool always designate an adult, who can swim, to watch the water at all times. If there are many kids going to swim than it is better to hire a lifeguard.
- Maintain your pool. Keep the water clear and clean so visibility is kept at a maximum.
- Do not swim in thunderstorms or any bad weather.
- Position all swimming pool jets in such a way that any floating objects will end up in the shallow end of the pool close to the steps or ladder.
- Remove all toys and floating objects from the pool when it is not in use.
- Never allow bikes and 'rideable' toys in the pool area.
- Have a telephone/mobile phone available. Have a list of emergency numbers easily accessible.
- Never go to answer a door or telephone bell while your children are swimming or your pool is unprotected. Take them out first!
- Buy and have on hand safety equipment - life preservers, life jackets, etc...
- If you have a pool safety fence - do not leave chairs, ladders or other objects near the pool that would allow a child to climb up and over. Make sure all fence gates have self-closing latches.
- Make sure your child understands how jumping or diving into water can result in injury. Know the depth of the water and the location of underwater hazards before permitting children to jump or dive.
- Teach your children to swim and cope with all conditions of all types of water - e.g. depth, water temperature, tides, currents, and weather.
- Use approved personal flotation devices whenever on a boat or fishing, and while playing near a river, lake, or ocean.
- Teach your child to never attempt to rescue a pet without adult supervision
- Inform your child of the methods to obtain help.
- Learn CPR and support the inclusion of CPR training in school.
- Counsel children especially teenagers about the dangers of alcohol and drug consumption. Teenage pool parties are prone to these activities and can have fatal consequences.
- Remove all water from containers, such as drums , baths etc immediately after use and put containers away.
- Do not leave children unattended in the bathroom. Never leave a child unattended in the bath. Keep toilet lids closed and locked and bath plugs out of reach.
- Make sure children's caregivers and supervisors know all the safety precautions and are fully trained in CPR.
- Swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you're just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end.
- Don't push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
- Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they are fun and can help you while you learn to swim, what they can't do is save a life. They're toys that can lose air or float away.
- Remember a pool's sides and bottom are usually made of concrete, a rock-hard material. A slip or fall could be painful and dangerous.
- Don't chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke.
- Surround your pool all round with a sturdy fence.
- Make sure the gates self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.
- Always thank Allah after every swimming session. Say: "Allhamdulillah" (All Praise belongs to Allah) and say: "Oh Allah we thank you for allowing us to have swam safely and always keeps us in Your protection" Ameen!
