(Copyright © 2020,https://pathways.org/)
在泳池,天然水源,洗手間,浴缸,甚至是水桶中溺水造成的死亡和傷害每天都發生,而且統計數字令人震驚。在美國，每天平均有十個人淹死，每年總計3,400人。這是所有年齡段兒童意外死亡的主要原因，也是一到四歲兒童中與傷害相關，並導致死亡的唯一主要原因。
Death and injury from drowning happen everyday in pools; natural bodies of water; toilets; bathtubs; and even buckets. Thestatistics are staggering: ten people drown every day for a total of 3,400 eachyear in the United States. It’s a leading cause of accidental death amongchildren of all ages and the single leading cause of injury-related death amongchildren ages one to four.
幾乎任何人都可能發生溺水。在後院泳池派對上可能會發生溺水事故；年幼的孩子可以穿過未關上的滑動玻璃門；有神經發育行為挑戰（例如自閉症）的兒童若無人看管，可能會掉進鄰居的遊泳池。
Drowning can happen almost anywhere toanyone. Drowning accidents can happen at backyard pool parties; young childrencan slip through sliding glass doors that were left open; and children withneurodevelopmental-behavioral challenges, such as autism, left unsupervisedcould wander into neighbors』 pools.
儘管遊泳課不一定能防止溺水，而且不能取代成人在旁的監督，但教育孩子學會遊泳很重要。根據美國兒科學會，大多數4歲及4歲以上的兒童都可以學習遊泳。一到四歲的兒童可能會根據自己的身體和情緒發展視情況進行學習。在美國，有一些組織，例如美國紅十字會，男孩和女孩社團組織，基督教青年會以及市政和社區遊泳池，提供費用低廉甚至免費的遊泳課程。
Although swimming lessons don’t necessarily prevent drowning and are not a substitute for adult supervision, it’s important to teach children to swim. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children age four and older can learn to swim. Children ages one to four might be able to learn depending on their physical and emotional development. In the United States, several organizations, such as the American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs and municipal and neighborhood pools provide low-cost and even free swimming lessons.
預防這些令人心碎災難的關鍵是教育和知識。遵循以下最佳做法，灌輸水安全文化：
Thekey to preventing these heartbreaking disasters is education and knowledge. Instill a culture of water safety by following these best practices:
•監督。切勿讓兒童在無人看管的情況下靠近水域，包括浴缸，因為溺水事故可能在幾秒鐘內發生。如果孩子們在水附近，也不要大意的認為周遭隨時會有成人可以監督他們的安全。四歲以下的孩子即使會遊泳，也應在成人一個手臂的可及範圍內被監督。不要依靠充氣玩具或泡沫填充玩具（例如遊泳臂圈，浮力棒或遊泳圈）來保護兒童安全。
•Supervise. Never leave children unsupervised near a body of water, including a bath. The families of drowned children know that it can happen in a matter of seconds. If children are near water, you should never presume that someone else is supervising them. Children under age four should be supervised at arm’s length, even if they can swim. Don’t rely on air-filled or foam toys, such as water wings, noodles or inner tubes, to keep children safe.
•學習心肺復甦術。所有父母和託兒服務提供者均應學習心肺復甦（CPR）。美國紅十字會，消防部門和醫院等許多組織都提供CPR認證課程。
•Learn CPR. All parents and childcare providers should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Many organizations such as the American Red Cross, fire departments and hospitals offer CPR certification courses.
•避免飲酒。在划船，遊泳或指導兒童遊泳或在水中玩耍時，請勿喝酒。
•Avoid alcohol. Don’t drink alcohol when you are boating, swimming or supervising children who are swimming or playing in water.
•在泳池邊加圍欄並添加警報器。安裝至少四英尺（1.2米）高的圍欄，以將遊泳池區域與房屋和院子隔開。安裝自動關閉和自動閂鎖的門，這些門會從池中打開，並在有人進入池中時發出警報警報。
•Fence in community pools and add alarms. Install a fence at least four feet (1.2 meters) tall that separates the pool area from the house and yard. Install self-closing and self-latching gates that open away from the pool and alarms that sound an alert when someone enters the pool.
•留在指定區域。在公共海灘上，只能在安全遊泳區域內遊泳。請注意有關不安全遊泳條件的警告公示。請勿讓兒童在排水溝，廢棄的礦坑或其他非遊泳場所中遊泳。
•Stay in designated areas. At public beaches, swim only in areas set aside for swimming. Pay attention to posted warnings about unsafe swimming conditions. Don’t allow children to swim in drainage ditches, abandoned surface mines or other water-filled areas not intended for swimming.
•當心薄冰。溺水也可能在寒冷的天氣發生。避免在薄冰或解凍中的冰上行走，滑冰或騎行。注意有關冰安全的警告公示，並就當前的冰況諮詢當地安全部門。
•Watch out for thin ice. Drowning can occur in cold weather, too. Avoid walking, skating or riding on weak or thawing ice. Pay attention to posted warnings regarding ice safety and consult a local department of recreation for current ice conditions.
•保持浴室門關閉。在門外側安裝安全閂鎖或防開門把手蓋。
•Keep bathroom doors closed. Install a safety latch or door-knob cover on the outside of the door.
•安全存放桶和容器。使用後立即清空水桶和其他容器，不要將它們放在可能積水的地方。
•Store buckets and containers safely. Immediately empty buckets and other containers after use. Don’t leave them outside where they might accumulate water.
中國遊泳產業中，常常可見嬰、幼兒們在遊泳時使用頸圈。從生理結構來看，對孩子非常的危險。嬰兒使用頸圈進行遊泳時，全身最受力的地方，是嬰兒的頸部。嬰兒頸部的肌肉力量尚未成熟並且很弱，他們的頸椎需要至少滿2足月後才能對抗地心引力，保護頸椎的安全。以頸圈進行遊泳時，相對於嬰兒其他身體部位，較大且較重的頭部會壓在頸圈上，容易對嬰兒的氣道和身體結構造成嚴重損害和壓迫。如果不小心壓迫了位於頸部的頸動脈竇，將因為心率減慢而導致血壓下降，甚至導致休克。同時，頸圈容易壓迫孩子氣管，導致呼吸不暢甚至窒息，嚴重的話甚至造成死亡。
In the Chinese swimming industry, the common practice of providing plastic collars for infants and young children to be placed on their necks during swimming lessons is extremely dangerous. The strength of a baby’s neck muscles is not matured nor strong enough to safely protect the cervical spine against gravity until at least 2 months of age. When the plastic collar is placed on the neck of an infant during swimming, the baby’s relatively large and heavier head is pressed on the neck. This practice could cause serious damage and compression to the baby’s airway and physical structure. If the carotid sinus on the neck is accidentally compressed, the blood pressure will drop because the heart rate slows down, and the child could even go into shock. At the same time, the collar may easily compress the child’s trachea, causing poor breathing, suffocation, or even death.
(Copyright © 2020,https://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/)
遊泳課：何時開始以及父母應該知道什麼
Swim Lessons: When to Start & What Parents Should Know
溺水是兒童死亡的首要原因，因此學習遊泳應該是每個家庭安全的重要任務。這是一項重要的生活技能，可在防止溺水中發揮關鍵作用。兒童及其父母需要學習如何遊泳，以確保在水中的時間安全而有趣！
Learning to swim should be a priority for every family. It's an important life skill that can play a key role in helping to prevent drowning―a top cause of death among children. Children, and their parents, need to learn how to swim to help keep time in the water safe and fun!
以下是美國兒科學會（AAP）的一些建議，比如開始學遊泳課程的最佳時間，以及尋找高質量的「學遊泳」課程中需要關注的內容。
Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on the best time to start swim lessons and what to look for in a quality learn-to-swim program.
(Copyright © 2020,https://www.healthychildren.org/)
我的孩子什麼時候應該學習遊泳？
When should my child learn to swim?
兒童成長的速度不同，並不是所有孩子都可以在完全相同的年齡開始遊泳課程。在決定讓孩子學遊泳之前，請先看看孩子的情感成熟度，身體情況和發育能力，以及水中的舒適度。美國兒科學會建議遊泳課作為防止溺水的保護措施，大部分兒童可以在1歲時開始學習遊泳。
Children develop at different rates, and not all are ready to begin swim lessons at exactly the same age. When making your decision, keep your child's emotional maturity, physical and developmental abilities and limitations, and comfort level in the water in mind. The AAP recommends swim lessons as a layer of protection against drowning that can begin for many children starting at age 1.
親子幼兒和學前遊泳課：對許多家庭有益
Parent-child toddler & preschool swim classes: beneficial for many families
•最近的研究表明，水上生存技能培訓和遊泳課可以幫助降低1-4歲兒童的溺水風險。包括父母和孩子在內的課程也是介紹良好水安全習慣，並開始培養遊泳準備技能的好方法。如果您的孩子看起來已經準備好了，那麼最好現在就開始上課。
•Recent studies suggest that water survival skills training and swim lessons can help reduce drowning risk for children between ages 1-4. Classes that include both parents and their children also are a good way to introduce good water safety habits and start building swim readiness skills. If your child seems ready, it's a good idea to start lessons now.
4歲及以上兒童的遊泳課：大多數家庭必須學習的課程
Swim lessons for children ages 4 and up: a must for most families
•到4歲生日時，大多數孩子已經準備好參加遊泳課。在這個年齡段，他們通常可以學習基本的水生存技能，例如漂浮，踩水和到達出口。到5或6歲時，大多數上遊泳課的孩子都可以掌握自由式式（捷泳、爬泳）。如果您的孩子還沒有開始學習遊泳技能，那麼現在是時候了！
•By their 4th birthday, most children are ready for swim lessons. At this age, they usually can learn basic water survival skills such as floating, treading water and getting to an exit point. By age 5 or 6, most children in swim lessons can master the front crawl. If your child hasn't already started in a learn-to-swim program, now is the time!
美國兒科學會推薦嬰兒遊泳課嗎？
Does American Academy of Pediatrics recommend infant swim classes?
不推薦，因為目前沒有證據表明針對1歲以下的嬰兒遊泳計劃會降低其溺水風險。這個年齡段的嬰兒可能會出現反射性的「遊泳」動作，但還不能充分抬起頭來呼吸。不過，可以參加親子水上遊戲課，以幫助您的嬰兒適應遊泳池。這可能是一個有趣的活動，可以一起享受親子時光。
No, because there is currently no evidence that infant swim programs for babies under 1 year old lower their drowning risk. Infants this age may show reflex "swimming" movements but can't yet raise their heads out of the water well enough to breathe. It's OK to enroll in a parent-child water play class to help your infant get used to being in the pool, though; this can be a fun activity to enjoy together.
請記住，遊泳課並不能擔保孩子「不溺水」
Remember, swim lessons don't make kids "drown proof"
•請始終記住，遊泳課只是防止溺水所需的幾個重要保護措施之一。當您的孩子在遊泳池或任何水域之中或附近時，另一保護措施包括持續不斷的高度監督。阻止孩子在非遊泳時間內接近水源也是很重要的。美國消費安全委員會發現，69％的5歲以下兒童被發現溺水時，他們其實並不應該靠近水源的。
•Always keep in mind that swim lessons are just one of several important layers of protection needed to help prevent drowning. Another layer includes constant, focused supervision when your child is in or near a pool or any body of water. It also is essential to block access to pools during non-swim time. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission found that 69% of children under the age of 5 years were not expected to be in the water at the time of a drowning.
如何選擇合適的遊泳課？
What should I look for when choosing swim lessons?
尋找遵循指導方針的課程和教練，這些指導方針不僅側重於遊泳技巧，還涉及更廣泛的水上生存能力技能。例如，所有兒童都應該學習如何從水下回到水面，推動自己至少25碼（2.2米），然後從水中脫身。指導員應評估孩子的進步，並不斷反饋他們的技能水平。
Look for classes and instructors that follow guidelines focused not just on swim stroke techniques, but broader water survival competency skills. All children should learn how to get back to the surface from under water, propel themselves at least 25 yards, and get out of the water, for example. Instructors should evaluate children's progress and give ongoing feedback on their skill levels.
對於所有年齡段的孩子，建議以下課程：
For children of all ages, look for programs that:
•擁有經驗豐富，合格的講師。遊泳教練應持有國家認可的教練資格證和急救證書。遊泳培訓中心也應該有當值的救生員持有效期內的CPR和急救證書。
•Have experienced,qualified instructors.Swim instructors should be trained and certified through a nationallyrecognized learn-to-swim curriculum. There should also be lifeguards on dutywho have current CPR and First Aid certification.
•在水中，水上，和附近教導良好的安全習慣。兒童應該學會永遠不要獨自遊泳或在沒有成人監督的情況下遊泳。指導員應教導兒童，在進入遊泳池或諸如湖泊之類的自然水域之前，始終需要徵求父母，救生員或遊泳教練的許可。
•Teach good safetyhabits in, on, and near water. Children should learn to never swim alone or withoutadult supervision. Instructors should teach children to always ask forpermission from parents, lifeguards, or swimming instructors before they getinto a pool or natural bodies of water like a lake.
•教導意外落入水中該怎麼辦。這包括練習水中技能，例如自救。課程應提供各種現實條件的訓練，例如掉入水中和穿著衣服進行遊泳。年長一點的孩子還應該學習如果看到水中有人在掙扎時該怎麼辦，以及如何獲得幫助。
•Teach what to do ifthey end up in the water unexpectedly. This includes practicing watercompetency skills such as self-rescue. Lessons should provide training with avariety of realistic conditions, such as falling in and swimming in clothes.Older children also should learn what to do if they see someone else in thewater who is struggling, and how to get help.
•讓您試課，看看它是否適合您的孩子。並非所有的遊泳課程都是相同的，父母應該研究選擇最適合的遊泳課程。孩子們大部分時間裡都在遊泳？還是長時間處於閒置等待，直到輪到他們？孩子會得到一對一的關注嗎？教練友好且優先考慮水安全嗎？
•Let you watch a classfirst to see first-hand if it is right for your child. Not all swim lessonsare created equal, and parents should investigate options to choose the bestfit. Are they swimming most of the time, or are there long periods ofinactivity where they are waiting for their turn? Do children get one-on-oneattention? Are the instructors friendly and knowledgeable?
•需要多次課程。孩子開始上課後，您應該能夠逐漸看到他們的能力不斷進步。繼續課程，直到他們至少掌握基本的水中技能。
•Require multiplesessions.Once children start lessons, you should be able to see gradual but consistentprogress in their abilities over time. Continue lessons at least until yourthey master basic water competency skills.
此外，對於4歲以下的兒童，建議以下課程：
Inaddition, for children under age 4, look for programs that:
•提供適合年齡的氛圍。您的孩子在上課時應該通過支持他們的社會，智力，身體和情感發展的活動感到安全和被保護。但是，兒童也需要發展對水的健康、正向態度。
•Provide anage-appropriate atmosphere. Your child should feel safe and secure duringlessons, with activities that support their social, intellectual, physical, andemotional development. However, children need to develop a healthy respect forwater, as well.
•包括「觸摸監控」。每當嬰幼兒在水中或周圍時，即使在遊泳課上，也都應在成年人一個手臂可及的範圍內，以提供「觸摸監控」。鼓勵父母參與，特別是因為它還可以幫助家庭了解在課間練習的內容。如果您不能和孩子一起在水中，請尋找提供一對一教學的私人課程。
•Include "touchsupervision."Whenever infants and toddlers are in or around water—even during swimlessons―an adult should be within arm's reach to provide "touchsupervision." Parent participation should be encouraged, especially sinceit also helps families know what to practice in between classes. If you can'tbe in the water with your child, look for private classes that offer 1-on-1instruction.
•保持水的純淨。幼兒更容易吞咽或呼吸水，因此對水進行消毒並保持合適的氯含量非常重要。同時需要給孩子穿緊貼腿部的泳衣，幫助避免身體廢物擴散到水中。
•Maintain water purity. Young children aremore likely to swallow or breathe in water, so water disinfection andmaintaining proper chlorine levels is really important. A good program shouldalso require the child to wear a swimsuit that is snug-fitting at the legs tohelp avoid spreading body waste into the water.
•保持水溫。在這個年齡段，體溫過低是比較危險的。理想情況下，3歲及3歲以下，孩子遊泳的水溫應該控制在30.5-34.4攝氏溫度。
•Keep the water warm. Hypothermia is agreater risk at this age. Ideally, swim and water safety classes for childrenage 3 and younger should be in water heated to 87 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
如何在水中或附近監督孩子：
How to supervise your child inor near water:
即使您的孩子正在學習遊泳，在水中進行適當的監督也是防止溺水的最重要方法之一。溺水比大多數家庭所意識到的要迅速、沉默、且普遍得多。即使有細心的父母，有愛心的家庭，和積極地照顧，事故仍然每天都會發生。
Propersupervision in the water—even if your child is learning how to swim―is one ofthe most important ways to help prevent drowning. Drowning is quick, silent,and much more common than most families realize. It happens every day tochildren with loving, attentive parents and caregivers.
為了有效地監督和保護孩子在遊泳期間的安全，請記住：
Toeffectively supervise and keep child safe during swim time, keep in mind:
•密切注意並持續關注。即使有救生員，也不要分散其他活動的注意力（例如閱讀，玩遊戲，使用手機或修剪草坪）。
•Payclose, constant attention. Do not get distracted with other activities (such asreading, playing games, using the cellphone, or mowing the lawn), even iflifeguards are present.
•避免在水周圍使用酒精或服用藥物，尤其是在監督他人時。
•Avoidusing alcohol or drugs around the water, especially when supervising others.
•對於年幼的孩子和體弱遊泳者，請與他們一起入水。「觸摸監控」必不可少！即使您不遊泳，但附近有遊泳池或水域，也請始終將孩子放在一個手臂夠得到的地方。如果您必須離開，請帶上孩子。
•Foryounger children and weak swimmers, get in the water with them. "Touchsupervision" is essential! Even if you are not swimming but there is apool or body of water nearby, always keep children within arm's reach. If youmust leave, take the child with you.
•請勿在另一個孩子的照顧下將嬰兒或幼兒放在任何水中或附近。
•Don'tleave a baby or young child in or near any body of water under the care ofanother child.
•尤其是在靠近泳池或湖泊的聚會或野餐期間，當容易分心時，請指派「看水人」，其職責是不斷注視著在水中或水域附近的兒童。輪流當值這項任務，在設定的時間（例如15分鐘）後，將水看守卡交給下一個負責任的成年人。
•Especiallyduring parties or picnics at the pool or lake, when it's easy to getdistracted, assign a "water watcher" whose job is to constantly keepeyes on the child in or near the water. Take turns, passing along a waterwatcher card to the next responsible adult after a set time (such as 15minutes).
•請記住，1-4歲幼兒的主要溺水風險發生在無預警、無監督下接近水域。孩子們天生好奇，經常在非遊泳時段、大人不經意時悄悄溜走。
•Rememberthat the primary drowning risk for toddlers age 1-4 is unanticipated, unsupervisedaccess to water. Children are naturally curious and commonly slip awayunnoticed during non-swim times.
•當在自然水體中，湖泊或河流中或附近時，請始終使用救生衣。確保它們遵守規定正確安裝，並獲得安全部門的批准。孩子們、體弱遊泳者在遊泳池或水上樂園時，也應穿上救生衣。
•Alwaysuse life jackets when in, on or near natural bodies of water, such as lakes orrivers. Make sure they fit properly and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.Children. Weak swimmers should also wear life jackets when at a pool or waterpark.
•知道如何識別遇難跡象並在遇到麻煩時做出反應。每個人，包括父母，照料者和較大的孩子，都應學習心肺復甦術和安全的營救技巧，以應對溺水事件。水安全是一件大事！
•Knowhow to recognize signs of distress and respond when there is trouble. Everyone,including parents, caregivers and older children, should learn CPR and saferescue techniques to respond to a drowning incident. Water safety is a familyaffair!
小提示：如何在水中保持安全？
Tips to help you stay safe in the water
•在水下的時候或者在周圍監督。委任一個負責任的成年人來看著所有的孩子在水中遊泳或者水邊玩耍。學前兒童的監督者應該提供觸手可及的監督，無論何時都要足夠近得去夠到孩子。因為溺水總是發生得悄無聲息，哪怕救生員在附近，成人也不能在監督孩子的時候做其他任何分心的活動（例如閱讀，玩卡片，打電話，或修剪草坪）。
•Supervise When in or Around Water. Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while in the bath and all children swimming or playing in or around water. Supervisors of preschool children should provide 「touch supervision」, be close enough to reach the child at all times. Because drowning occurs quickly and quietly, adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity (such as reading,playing cards, talking on the phone, or mowing the lawn) while supervising children, even if lifeguards are present.
•結伴進行。最好總是和一個夥伴一起遊泳。儘可能選擇有救生員的遊泳場所。
•Use the Buddy System. Always swim with a buddy. Select swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible.
•考量癲癇者的安全。如果你或者有一個家庭成員有癲癇，在水周圍提供1對1的監督，包括水池。在洗澡時考慮用淋浴而不是浴缸。在划船時穿救生衣。
•Seizure Disorder Safety. If you or a family member has a seizure disorder, provide one-on-one supervision around water, including swimming pools. Consider taking showers rather than using a bathtub for bathing. Wear life jackets when boating.
•學習遊泳。正規的遊泳課可以保護兒童遠離溺水。但是，即便兒童上了正規的遊泳課，持續小心地監督孩子。當他們在水中，並且泳池柵欄來預防沒有監督情況下進入水中都是十分重要的。
•Learn to Swim. Formal swimming lessons can protect young children from drowning. However, even when children have had formal swimming lessons, constant, careful supervision when children are in the water, and barriers, such as pool fencing to prevent unsupervised access, are still important.
•學習心肺復甦。醫護人員到達事發場地需要一定的時間，你的CPR技能可以拯救一個人的生命。
•Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could save someone’s life.
•充氣的或泡沫玩具不是安全設備。不要使用充氣或泡沫玩具，例如遊泳臂圈，浮力棒或遊泳圈。這些玩具不是救生衣，他們的設計不會保證遊泳者的安全。
•Air-Filled or Foam Toys are not safety devices. Don’t use air-filled or foam toys, such as 「water wings」, 「noodles」, or inner-tubes, instead of life jackets. These toys are not life jackets and are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
•避免飲酒。避免在遊泳,上船時, 滑水時飲用酒精。不要在監督孩子的時候喝酒。
•Avoid Alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or water skiing. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children.
•不要讓遊泳者在遊泳前過度換氣或者長時間憋氣。這可能引起他們昏倒（有時候也叫缺氧停電或者淺水黑視）和溺斃。
•Don’t let swimmers hyperventilate before swimming underwater or try to hold their breath for long periods of time. This can cause them to pass out (sometimes called 「hypoxic blackout」 or 「shallow water blackout」) and drown.
•教練應該是受過訓練的。這可能聽起來很顯而易見，但情況並不總是這樣。家長應該問教練是如何受訓和評估的，是否有機構指引準則，例如紅十字和基督教青年會。
•The coaches should be trained. Again, this sounds obvious — but it’s not always the case. Parents should ask about how coaches are trained and evaluated, and whether it’s under the guidelines of an agency such as the Red Cross or the YMCA.
•孩子與教練的比例最好是合適的。當然孩子與教練的比例越低越好，特別對於小孩子和遊泳新手來說。教練應該對孩子觸手可及並且能顧及整個遊泳課上的人。當小組人數更多的時候，需要更多的教練才能安全監督孩子們。
•The ratio of kids to coaches should be appropriate. Preferably, it should be as low as possible, especially for young children and new swimmers. In those cases, the coach should be able to have all children within arm’s reach and be able to watch the whole group. As children gain skills the group can get a bit bigger, but there should never be more than the coach can safely supervise.
專業安全建議：
Professional Safety Advice：
在水中父母必須時刻監護孩子的安全，片刻都不能鬆懈，尤其是在學習的階段，眼睛離開孩子半分鐘都可能遭遇致命的危險。
In the water, parents must always monitor the safety of their children, and cannot relax for a moment. Especially in the learning stage, if the eyes leave the child for half a minute, they may encounter fatal danger.
根據美國兒科學會的意見，控制風險需要考慮以下建議：
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, risk control needs to consider the following recommendations:
1.一歲之前，可以在父母的陪同監護下作為娛樂消遣玩水；
Before one year old, they can play with water as entertainment under the supervision of their parents；
2.一歲之後，可以參與有潛水閉氣、岸邊求生類內容的遊泳課程；
After one year old, they can take part in swimming courses including diving, breathing and survival on the shore；
3.四歲後再正式學習遊泳技能（比如蛙泳）。
Swimming skills (such as breaststroke) are formally learned after the age of four.
如果一定要讓一歲以內的寶寶遊泳，父母需要注意：
If children under one year old must be allowed to swim, parents should pay attention to:
•絕對不可使用頸圈遊泳，如果要使用漂浮工具，可以在寶寶的脖子能夠直立以後，選擇腋下遊泳圈、救生衣、坐式遊泳圈等漂浮工具，並選擇安全係數相對較高的品牌和款式，並且必須在父母毫不鬆懈的密切監護下「玩水」。
•Never use the neck circle to swim. If you want to use floating tools, you can choose armpit swimming ring, life jacket, sitting swimming ring and other floating tools after the baby's neck can be upright, and choose the brand and style with relatively high safety factor, and must "play with water" under the close supervision of parents.
•如果想帶寶寶體驗親子遊泳課程，可以跟遊泳教練溝通，暫時不參與潛水和岸邊求生的練習，只是帶著孩子在水裡唱唱歌、做做遊戲、感受水中的漂浮。一歲以後再進行潛水閉氣的訓練。
•If you want to take your baby to experience the parent-child swimming course, you can communicate with the swimming instructor. For the time being, you don't participate in diving and shore survival exercises. You just take your child to sing, play games and feel the floating in the water. After one year old, they will be trained to close their breath after diving.
相對於美國兒科學會嚴格的標準，英國遊泳協會（SAT）針對年齡的建議則顯得更為寬鬆：
Compared with the strict standards of American Academy of Pediatrics, the British Swimming Association (SAT) recommendations for age are more relaxed：
STA對寶寶可以開始遊泳的時間沒有進行嚴格的限制，他們認為重要的是選擇適合寶寶的泳池環境、教師資質，以及適合年齡的課程內容。這部分建議對於我們為寶寶選擇遊泳機構會很有幫助。
STA has no strict restrictions on the time when babies can start swimming. They think it is important to choose the suitable swimming pool environment, teacher qualification and age-appropriate course content. This part of the advice will be very helpful for us to choose swimming institutions for babies.
•泳池環境 Swimming pool environment:
寶寶的體溫調節系統尚不發達，水溫應常年保持在31-34℃，對於0-2歲的嬰兒來說，34℃是最佳的溫度。嬰兒泳池應採用無氯全臭氧水處理方式，要保證每小時循環一次，以確保水質安全，建築材料也應採用環保材料。泳池邊角需要設計成圓弧形，以消除安全隱患。
Baby's temperature regulation system is not developed, the water temperature should be kept at 31-34 ℃ all year round. For 0-2-year-old infants, 34 ℃ is the best temperature.The infant swimming pool should be treated with chlorine free all ozone water treatment method, which should be recycled once an hour to ensure the safety of water quality. The construction materials should also be made of environmental protection materials. The corner of swimming pool needs to be designed into a circular arc to eliminate potential safety hazards.
•教師資質 Coach qualification:
嬰兒遊泳課程的教練必須具備相關資質和救生資格，如果不慎發生意外要進行心臟復甦急救。每個教練最多只能同時給12組家庭上課。
The coach of infant swimming course must have relevant qualification and life-saving qualification. In case of accident, CPR should be given first aid. Each coach can only teach less than 12 groups of families at the same time.
•課程內容 Course content:
不要強迫寶寶潛水：潛水應該根據寶寶的狀態和意願，在有準備的情況下進行（比如用小水壺澆水或者「準備，遊」的提示），每次潛水後應當觀察寶寶的反應。
Don't force your baby to dive: diving should be carried out with preparation according to the baby's state and wishes (such as watering with a small kettle or the "prepare, swim" prompt). The baby's reaction should be observed after each dive.
•潛水次數 Diving times:
每堂課潛水次數過多會影響寶寶在水中的信任感和愉悅程度，學習遊泳之初，每次課最多潛水1-2次，然後根據寶寶的適應程度逐漸增加。6個月以下的寶寶，每堂課最多潛水4次；6-12個月的寶寶，每堂課最多潛水6次；1歲以上的寶寶潛水次數沒有上限，但要根據寶寶的意願，並伴隨著父母和兒童之間的愉快互動。
Too many diving times in each class will affect the baby's trust and pleasure in the water. At the beginning of learning swimming, each class can dive 1-2 times at most, and then gradually increase according to the baby's adaptation.For babies under 6 months old, the maximum number of dives per class is 4; for babies 6-12 months, the maximum number of dives per class is 6; for babies over 1 year old, there is no upper limit for diving times, but it should be based on the wishes of the baby and accompanied by happy interaction between parents and children.
•潛水深度 Diving depth:
1歲以內的寶寶潛水深度不要超過1米；1歲以上的寶寶可以逐漸達到1米的潛水深度。
The diving depth of the baby under 1 year old should not exceed 1 meter; the baby over 1 year old can gradually reach the diving depth of 1 meter.
•潛水時間 Diving time:
1歲以內的寶寶每次潛水不要超過3秒；1歲以後，可以逐漸把單次潛水的時間延長到10秒。
The no more than 3 seconds each time for babies under 1 year old; after 1 year old, the single diving time can be gradually extended to 10 seconds.
•其他提醒 Other reminders:
遊泳過程中要防止寶寶吞入過多的水。吸入達到體重10%的水會改變寶寶血液中的鹽濃度導致水中毒，如果寶寶表現出噁心嘔吐，尿頻，神志不清，需要儘快就醫。
During swimming, the baby should be prevented from swallowing too much water. Inhalation of water up to 10% of body weight will change the salt concentration in the baby's blood, leading to water poisoning. If the baby shows nausea, vomiting, frequent urination and unconsciousness, he needs to see a doctor as soon as possible.
提醒 Remember:
一旦孩子準備好了，就可以參加高質量的遊泳課，這是防止溺水的幾種重要措施之一。如果您對孩子是否已經準備好接受遊泳課程以及如何為家人找到優質的計劃有任何疑問，請與您的兒科醫生聯繫。
Enrolling in quality swim lessons―once your child is ready for them―is one of several essential ways to help prevent drowning. Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions about whether your child is developmentally ready for swim lessons and how to find a quality program for your family.
可以通過多種創新方式來提高公眾對水安全的認識。這樣的一個例子是，環球影業和澳大利亞遊泳協會合作發起了一項全國遊泳安全運動，以教育澳大利亞兒童如何在水中和在水中時保持安全。澳大利亞遊泳偶像和奧林匹克金牌得主萊瑟·瓊斯（Leisel Jones）曾邀請小黃人的幫助，如《神偷奶爸》（Despicable Me）電影中所述，以提供一些易於遵循的水安全提示。由萊瑟爾和小黃人主演的兒童短片，演示了這個視頻。
There are many innovative ways to be involved in promoting public awareness of water safety. One such example is that Universal Pictures and Swimming Australia have partnered to launch a national swim safety campaign to educate Aussie kids on how to stay safe when in and around the water. Australian swimming icon and Olympic Gold Medallist, Leisel Jones has enlisted the help of the Minions, as seen in Despicable Me, to provide some easy-to-follow tips for water safety. A short video for children starring Leisel and the Minions demonstrating these.
(Copyright © 2011, Australian Dolphins Swim Team)Despicable Me and Leisel Jones Swim Safety video
如果您有興趣了解更多有關水安全和兒科相關的健康促進主題，請訪問美國兒科學會提供的信息 www.healthychildren.org
If you are interested in learning more about water safety and related health promotion topics in pediatrics, please check out www.healthychildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
References 參考文獻
• American Academy of Pediatrics. (March 15, 2019). Swim Lessons: When to Start & What Parents Should Know. Retrieved on November 18th, 2020 from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Swim-Lessons.aspx
• Australian Dolphins Swim Team. (January 5, 2011). Despicable Me and Leisel Jones Swim Safety video. Retrieved on November 20th, 2020 from https://youtu.be/iNO18rEMR1o
• McCarthy, C. (June 15, 2018). Swimming lessons: 10 things parents should know. Harvard Health Publication at Harvard Medical School. Retrieved on November 20th, 2020 from https://www.health.harvard.edu/
• Pathways. (2020). Splish, Splash, the Benefits of Water Play for Children. Retrieved on November 20th, 2020 from https://pathways.org/
• STA Health Leisure Life. (April 11, 2016). Baby Swimming Policy. Retrieved on November 21st, 2020 from https://www.sta.co.uk/policies/baby-swimming-policy/
• Stop Drowning Now. (2020). Water Safety Best Practices. Retrieved on November 19th, 2020 from https://www.stopdrowningnow.org/
• Swim England. (2020). The Benefits of Baby Swimming. Retrieved on November 21st, 2020 from https://www.swimming.org/learntoswim/the-benefits-of-baby-swimming/
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (October 7, 2020). Home and Recreational Safety. Retrieved on November 20th, 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/
• 燒傷超人阿寶. (November 14, 2020). 嬰兒遊泳，商業社會最不道德的智商稅！Retrieved on November 16th, 2020 from
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/7408XW3aoIHnqiOu9n-FmA
作者: 郭鳳宜，曾於芳，邱夏雯，蘇珊，孫雪倫