Only a few seconds can turn carefree time in a swimming pool into tragedy, particularly when young children are involved.
Drowning can happen silently and without warning, even in shallow water, with lifeguard Frixos Kyriakou urging parents to maintain continuous and uninterrupted supervision of children in and around the water.
Kyriakou said sharing relevant videos can help raise public awareness by showing parents and others that drowning is usually silent and can happen very quickly.
“By posting these videos, we help people understand that drowning is usually silent, while also highlighting that seconds are enough for a child to face immediate danger, whether in or around the water. Continuous supervision until they are away from the water,” he said.
Shallow water can still be dangerous
According to Kyriakou, particular attention is needed when young children are involved, as they may follow older children without understanding the dangers around them.
He also stressed that even a small amount of water can pose a serious risk.
“Twenty to 30 centimetres of water cannot be considered a safe environment,” he said.
When young children are in the water, parents or accompanying adults should remain with them and maintain constant visual contact. Supervision should not stop while the child is in or near the water.
Arm bands do not replace supervision
Kyriakou also addressed the use of swimming arm bands, saying they can provide an additional safety measure but should never replace parental supervision.
“Arm bands are useful for safety, but they can never replace parental supervision,” he stressed.
He also highlighted a risk that is often underestimated. A child who falls into water may be unable to return their body to the correct position, even when the water is shallow enough for them to stand.
For a child who cannot swim, their body position may prevent them from keeping their face above the surface and breathing.
“When a child falls into the water, even if they can stand, it is not easy for a child who cannot swim to bring their body into the correct position. As a result, the angle of their body may prevent them from breathing at the surface,” Kyriakou explained.
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