July 16, 2014

Dear Sir,

We have become all too aware, recently, of the overseas tragedies of babies and children being left in closed, hot cars. We are shocked and appalled that parents can be, in many estimations, careless, lazy unthinking, and abusive. It is with that emotion that I make the plea to Bermudian parents and caretakers to PLEASE use care and caution in the Bermudian environment: when you take your children swimming this summer. Having witnessed, already this Summer, an upsetting near-drowning incident, I offer these reminders:

It is not careful enough for parents or caretakers to send children swimming or to play by the water while they, the adults, sit 30 feet away and socialise or tend to other business. You won’t get there in time after you discover that the child has gone too far and slipped under the water.

It is not okay that you give your young children floaty toys and feel that they will keep your child safe. The toy can easily slip from under them and you pay no attention until another beachgoer sounds an unsettling alarm. It is not responsible to have an older child watch the younger while you dodge from the heat. That once-common Bermudian practice can result in both children getting into difficulty, merely by trying to save each other.

Parents and Caretakers : Swim with your children. At the least, stand or sit by the water’s edge and monitor your children closely. Aside from the fact that swimming in Bermuda’s waters is such a fun, refreshing family activity, you can keep your children safest. YOU are, also,your children’s best swimming instructor and water safety model.

Do not trust your child to go with other people who do not understand, respect and abide by your expectations for your child’s water safety. In addition teach your children that they will never swim without proper adult supervision.

Keep in mind, always, that one can never take back that moment when we chose to be lazy and careless, rather than vigilant and caring. A swimming tragedy only takes that moment and would be forever disturbing.

Let’s keep them safe.

BEACHGOER