There are few things better than cooling off in the water. During Oklahoma's sweltering summer months, everyone's hoping to take a dip in the pool at some point. For some seniors, though, swimming can be a bit difficult. Difficult doesn't mean impossible, however, since there are plenty of safe and easy ways for older people to enjoy the water with everyone else. Here's a quick guide for caregivers on how they can help seniors safely add swimming to their summer routine.
Swimming With Friends
Swimming is always better when you can do it with other people. Whether you're in the water or lounging outside of it, having someone there with you is more fun and safer. When you swim with someone else, it means you have someone there to help if a problem comes up. Looking out for each other can avoid a lot of the dangers older people face in the water, particularly when swimming somewhere without a lifeguard on duty.
Stay Hydrated While Swimming
You may not think of it given you're surrounded by water, but swimming can actually dehydrate you. Swimming is a form of exercise, meaning you need to remember to drink water throughout the day. This, plus the extra heat and UV rays reflected off the water, can cause people of any age to feel a little lightheaded.
Use Flotation Devices
Having flotation devices on hand can help those who might not be the best at swimming enjoy the water. While a clunky life jacket probably isn't what you want to wear to the pool, having some foam noodles or a life preserver in the water can give people something to hold onto if they need a second to rest. They're safe and fun at the same time.
Learn CPR
Regardless of the age of the people you're swimming with, learning CPR is a great survival tip. Being able to resuscitate someone when they've taken on water is vital for safe swimming. In general, everyone who's out on the water should strive to get CPR certification, but having one person in the group is the bare minimum. If you're a senior's caretaker, that person should definitely be you.
Practice Pool Safety When Swimming
General pool safety doesn't have an age limit. Simply put, don't do anything that would make a lifeguard blow the whistle at you. Running around the pool, jumping straight into the deep end, roughhousing in the water, and similar are all dangerous. While most people in your group should already know these things, rowdy grandkids might need an extra reminder so they don't endanger themselves or others.
Call Senior Helpers Greater OKC Today
Helping an older person in your life at the pool is one thing, but there might be other areas of their life you're not able to help with as much as you'd like to. If this is your situation, don't hesitate to call Senior Helpers of Greater OKC today. Our compassionate staff offers comprehensive in-home assistance to older individuals. We serve numerous areas of the Oklahoma City area, including Edmond, Yukon, Piedmont, and more. If the senior in your life needs help, get Senior Helpers to fill that role.