Hot tubs are a great way for adults to relax and unwind after a long, hard day, but for children, hot tubs can be a danger if not properly supervised. There are a couple safety precautions that all parents should follow when allowing their children to enjoy a dip in the hot tub.
Temperature and Time Limits
One of the first safety precautions all parents should be aware of is the suggested age limit for hot tubs. It’s recommended that no child under the age of five years old should be allowed into a hot tub. Very young children are at a much higher risk of overheating than older children. Young children also are not old enough to understand when they start overheating, therefore, making it difficult for an adult know.
No matter what age a child is, all supervising adults should stay alert to ensure that overheating does not occur. Any hot tub that a child is allowed to enter should be below 104 degrees Fahrenheit and the child should be supervised the entire time he or she is in the hot tub. If overheating starts to occur, the child may become disoriented or drowsy. If these symptoms start to occur, promptly remove the child from the hot tub.
A time limit of fifteen minutes maximum should be put in place for all children relaxing in a hot tub. A time limit helps prevent children from overheating. Adults should also follow a time limit in a hot tub for the same reason.
No Jumping or Diving
Hot tub safety rules should be put in place and reviewed before children enter the hot tub. One of the biggest safety rules that should always be enforced is no jumping or diving into the hot tub. Jumping or diving into a shallow hot tub can result in injuries and ultimately drowning. Running and playing around the hot tub should never be allowed in order to avoid accidental slips and falls into the hot tub. Children should remain seated while in a hot tub or spa.
Beware of Filters
Also beware of children with long hair being close to the hot tub filter. In certain cases, hair has been sucked into filters and children have been harmed or even drowned when unable to get the hair out. Seat children away from the filter, or buy a hot tub or spa with a weaker filter.
Children can enjoy hot tubs just as adults can. Just make sure there are rules in place and that the child understands what is not allowed. This way your whole family can enjoy relaxing the hot tub.
