Parents often think that a child cries when they are choking – not

You don’t hear it and you don’t notice it, says Winter. “It’s not like kids will stick to you if they’re choking.”

One in six children dies from it, according to SafetyNL. Children placed in intensive care after being at risk of suffocation often do not recover because their brains have already been damaged by prolonged oxygen starvation.

SafetyNL is starting a campaign in collaboration with the National Swimming Safety Council to make parents aware of the danger. They do this in accordance with the National Swimming Safety Plan. In it, parents learn how to prevent suffocation.

“Take good care of your child”

What is the best way to prevent your child from choking? According to emergency medicine doctor Ingvar Berg, it is important to keep your child at a distance. “You can’t miss them,” he says. “So you can’t even look at your phone, because then you won’t see your child anymore.” She also advises your child to wear a life jacket in addition to the swimming sleeves.

And go to a pool with a lifeguard. Although wary of this latter advice. “Don’t automatically assume that your child is safe. Take your responsibility and be aware of the risks. Keep an eye on your child.”