Posted by Rebecca Wear Robinson on July 22, 2013 · 7 Comments
No one has eyes in the back of their head, but when it comes to water and young children an extra set of eyes would sure help keep children safer. Today I’m talking about some water safety products that can act like an extra pair of eyes.
If you have a pool and also have young children, non-swimmers, or a special needs child, think about investing in a wrist alarm. Also a great product to have when you are traveling or visiting grandma’s pool and your child doesn’t understand water safety. The child wears a colorful wristband that locks into place so that they can’t remove the band. If the sensor on the band is submerged in water the base station lights up and sounds a piercing alarm. I recently found the Safety Angel 2 system and can confirm that the alarm made me jump, which is exactly what you need if you think your toddler was napping, the door to the pool was locked, the gate was closed, or any other comforting thought. Click here to watch a video about the inventor, a former Special Forces Combat Diver.
If you do have a pool, I’d also invest in a door alarm for all outside doors that lead to the pool, ornamental pond or nearby stream or retention pond. Amazon has a huge selection. Of course, don’t forget to fence your pool with a self-latching gate.
When you are in the pool with a non-swimmer, not-so-confident swimmer or a special needs child, think about getting a SwimFin. I test drove one and they earned a permanent place in our swim bag when my children were younger. While only a Coast Guard approved life jacket will keep a child truly safe, SwimFin leaves arms and legs free to practice swim strokes, do huge jumps, keeps a child afloat and best of all, they look so cool your child will actually ask you to wear it!
Think I’m being overcautious with my layers of protection? Watch this video to be reminded of how creative children can be in crafting escape strategies. It’s not just children though, if you have elderly parents with dementia or Alzheimer’s they are also at risk. I have heard of many people who also buy alarm systems for their pets, though this video would indicate that where water is concerned some dogs just want to have fun!
If you are thinking ‘that seems a bit much to spend on something I don’t need’, these products are comparable in price to a car seat, which everyone buys, yet drowning kills almost as many children as car accidents every year.
Of course there is no substitute for direct adult supervision, because you are the lifeguard on duty, but technology can make your job easier, and your child safer.
I love the swim fin, I might get one! My eight year old is a great swimmer but we won’t let my five year old near the edge of the pool without a vest on.
I may get one for my nephews… heck I may get one for me – who says the kids get to have all the fun 😉
Great article!
The Safety Angel 2 system is actually a knock off of the Safety Turtle (www.safetyturtle.com). For about the same amount of money, you can have the system that’s been in use and tested for (I believe) close to 15 years.
And odd not to see a mention of pool safety fencing.
@Julie and @Sazucker – I love playing with the SwimFin too! Added bonus, great for helping to learn butterfly stroke, keeps the child from sinking too far down until they develop the strength.
@Eric – yes, Safety Turtle is one of the first such systems, and one which I have written about often, but there are several competitors on the market now – hopefully that means more demand!
Eric, you really need to do your research before you post.
The is not a nock off but has many features that the Safety Turtle doesn’t (which is a very good product) For instance the Safety Angel Fish has an internal rechargeable battery so it can be taken to the lake, Ocean or on a boat. If you want the Safety Turtle to operate on a battery it will cost you an additional $120 and it is a large battery pack that you need to carry. Also Eric, the Safety Turtle does not work in salt water. So salt water pools, and the ocean are not protected. Here’s another fact Eric, the Safety Turtle is not the same price. It sells from $152.00 to $199.00 for base station and 1 wristband. Additional wristbands are $52.00 to $60.00 So if you want a Safety Turtle with the battery pack and an additional wristband it will cost you about $320.00 The Safety Angel Fish will cost you $138.00 for the base station and additional wristbands are $19.95 each. I don’t know about you Eric but $182.00 less for a system that also works in Salt water looks good to me which is why I have one in both my homes. Gives me and my family real piece of mind.
@Joseph, great observations about how important it is to know that a system works in different types of water. Thanks for clarifying for all of us!