Urgent safety warnings to parents using paddling pools in the hot May weather & why using your hose is a mistake
WITH the warmest start to May on record, we have a very urgent warning to parents.
The Met Office has confirmed that the recent warm spell is the hottest start to the month since records began - and it could go even higher, as forecasters predict temperatures could even hit 30C in some parts of the country.
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If you plan on getting a paddling pool out to cool your kids down this weekend, you'll need to listen up
Credit: Getty
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Here, parents have been issued an urgent warning - and you'll need to take notes to keep your children safe
Credit: Getty
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You'll have to make sure that your pool is the correct temperature and you mustn't ever leave children unattended
Credit: Getty
While the previous record for May Day was 27.4C recorded at Lossiemouth, Moray, on May 1 1990, a temperature of 28C was recorded at Kew Gardens, in south-west London this afternoon.
The Met Office said in a post on X: "With the temperature at Kew Gardens reaching 28C and still climbing, it is now officially the warmest start to May on record for the UK.
But as Brits rush to prepare their paddling pools for the bank holiday weekend, there is a very critical safety warning parents must be aware of.
Search interest for paddling pools has surged by nearly two-thirds in just one day and tips on keeping pool water clean have increased by 5000%, but now, Outdoor Toys, the children's toy specialists, are urging parents to take extra precautions when using paddling pools this weekend.
Alex Price, product manager at Outdoor Toys, emphasised the importance of safety checks before using paddling pools.
Alex explained: 'Paddling pools are a fun way to cool off in the warmer weather, but it's vital to ensure the water is safe for young children.
'While filling the pool with cold water from the hose may seem tempting, it can be too cold for babies and toddlers, who are particularly sensitive to temperature changes.
'Cold water can lead to discomfort, chills, or even hypothermia if young children stay in it for too long.'
According to Alex, the ideal temperature for children's paddling pools in the UK is generally considered to be between 29°C and 31°C.
A simple way to check the temperature is by using a bath thermometer.
Mum shares the £64.99 paddling pool that won't leave you puffed out blowing it up & it's perfect for the warm weather
If it's too cold, top it up with warmer water or consider playing slightly earlier in the day when temperatures are higher.
Not only is getting the temperature right very important, but you must also never leave children unattended around water.
Always keep a watchful eye and never leave them alone, even for a moment
Alex Price
Alex added: 'Even just 2cm of water can pose a drowning risk to young children.
'Always keep a watchful eye and never leave them alone, even for a moment.'
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: "If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
"If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: "Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
"It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life".
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: 'Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
'Children may try to grab these from the pool's edge and fall in."
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: "Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
"And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
'Waterparks are often very busy places and it's easy to lose sight of a child in a split second."
And when your little darlings have had enough of splashing around in their paddling pool for the day, there is one very important thing parents must do.
Alex recommended: 'It's important to cover or empty your paddling pool after use.'
He stressed: 'This not only keeps curious little ones safe but also prevents accidents.
'Plus, a cover helps keep leaves and debris out, making your next swim even more enjoyable.'
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