Dangers of the sea (or pool)

Yet again tragedy strikes on the Spanish Costa’s as 3 children die of drowning. The same scene plays out repeatedly on television with the camera showing a close up of a grieving mother either clutching the lifeless body of her child or a photograph.

I have seen very young children in the sea and community pools without lifeguards, parents or a responsible adult in attendance. On the whole the children were poor swimmers and unaware of the risks involved, or ignored them!

I do agree in allowing children to grow up and take risks, but surely this should be limited to acceptable risk (or maybe I have been involved in assessing risks in the workplace for far too long). Surely parenting includes leading your child through the learning process leading to adulthood, without being “over protective”.

I have to say that on the beach I was on today, not only were lifeguards in attendance, but police on quad bikes and a helicopter, the holiday season is really underway! We actually saw someone helped to safety.