I have always loved the water. We lived in Lac Brome, so summers held boating adventures, a few cannon balls and swimming lessons in a freezing lake. Lessons that I am grateful for today, even if I was cursing my parents for making me attend as I was forced to blow bubbles in the chilly water at 8 A.M.
Swimming in the pool had its perks too, especially once I had grown out of my plastic floaties (yes, plastic—we didn’t have those fun foam floaties that are all the rage these days). Despite all the joys that swimming in the water held for me, my parents were forever emphasizing the danger of water. I didn’t take it seriously when I was younger—water was so much fun—how could it be dangerous? These days, I know better.
My son loves the water—but he doesn’t know how to swim, and he definitely doesn’t know the danger of that water. He’ll lean over to fill up his watering pot in the pool, or jump off the side with a squeal of “Phree!!!” all while wearing a floatation device to keep him safe in case he falls in. We explain that the water is dangerous, but since it is also probably the best thing ever to a toddler on a hot day, it is a difficult thing for them to understand. Which is why it is essential to be vigilant, at all times. Everything seems to take only a second these days and it is all to easy to be distracted—or even too trusting of a toddler who appears to follow instructions relatively well. The truth is, they don’t understand and they aren’t safe near any body of water unless an adult had eyes on them. So here’s to everyone having a fun and safe summer this year.
