Being Able to Swim Can Help You Land a Great Nanny Job in a Tough EconomyIt's no joke, according to the National Safety Council an estimated 5,000 children ages 14 and under are hospitalized due to unintentional drowning-related incidents each year; 15 percent die in the hospital and as many as 20 percent suffer severe, permanent neurological disability.
Infants and toddlers drown more frequently than people at any other age. In this age group drowning is the leading cause of death, followed by accidents in and around the home, and road traffic accidents.
If you hope to work for a family that owns a pool or that will expect you to take the children to the pool in the summer you ought to learn to swim, and even earn lifeguard certification.
If you already know how to swim, earning your lifeguard certification is a great resume booster for any nanny candidate. Imagine how having your lifeguard certification will help your resume stand out among a pile of non-swimmers' resumes. What would look better than a prepared nanny who is certified in both adult and infant CPR/First Aid and has lifeguard certification?
As the saying goes, "Safety First!" And when it comes to working with children, knowing how to swim keeps them safe. It is also a great skill to help market yourself to potential employers.
Do you swim with your charges?
15 comments:
I can swim but still scared to death that I wouldn't be able to save a child that was drowning.
And to add to above, yes I have always been asked if I could swim in nanny interviews.
It is certainly easier to find a summer nanny job if you swim! I have always been asked if I swim. I don't think parents who have pools on their property should hire a nanny that can't swim.
It is a plus to know how to swim. Not that non-swimmers are bad nannies but kids love the pool (even where I work in a city). Yes I have been asked if I can swim in each interview with potential boss.
Yes, I have been asked to swim on a few interviews. A few years ago I pushed and am still pushing this question to be added to suggested interview question lists.
Next to where I state I have CPR, First Aid I say I have basic water safety certification. It's not as strong as a lifeguard certification, but I know I couldn't pass everything they need to do.
But learning the skills I learned in my class (taking at the Wisconsin Nanny Retreat, BTW) provide a great deal of knowledge on what to do in a water emergency and how even a mediocre sweimmer can do a rescue. This gives me a lot more comfort when I am around the water.
If you are in an association or know a group of nannies consider taking the class together.
I think yes very important for nannies and au pairs to know how to swim! Parents shouldn't hire a nanny that isn't CPR & first aid certified. Parents should EVERY safety precautions possible if they have a home pool. I have been asked if I swim in every job interview.
I am a lifegaurd and I actually am paid more to give the kids swim lessons! It's been worth getting the lessons since I make more money for it!
I don't swim but it never hurt my chance for a job. I take the kids to the pool and there are lifegaurds. None of my friends swim either. I see some nannies do wear bathing suits and get in the pool with the kids. I've never seen any child even come close to drowning in my 17 yrs of working as a nanny. Of course I would jump in to help a child if needed.
That's fine that you don't swim anonymous but do you think it would benefit your job search to be able to swim?
It is a good thing to be able to do when working with kids but ESSENTIAL when working @ a home with a pool!
100% yes, working in a household with a pool, and kids at swimming age, nanny must know how to swim. I would never have it if I were a parent, honestly. That's like letting someone without a license drive your children around. Too risky, in my opinion.
I really agree with Meghan. That's a great analogy! Would you drive a kid without a driver's license? Why have a pool and hire a caregiver that can't swim. Perfect. Thanks!
So having a drivers license is also a benefit when interviewing for jobs.
I have been asked if I swim and am willing to swim with the kids.See, I am heavy so I think they want to make sure I'm willing to go to the pool in a bathing suit. LOL.
Sarah:
I think yes very important for the to know how to swim and know CPR but also the parents should hv EVERY safety precautions possible and the kid/kids shod take swim lessons very important! Safety first all around
De-Shaun:
Most definitely...and kids should be taking professional lessons if they haven't mastered the skill or a refresher class just in case and I agree with the above poster about safety as well.
Debbie:
I am a lifegaurd and I actually am paid more to give the kids swim lessons! It's been worth getting the lessons since I make more money for it!
The Natural Nanny:
Yes as a mother I would only hire a nanny that has the ability to handle any situation that might come up in my house. As a nanny, you betchya Im going to know how to save the children in my care, CPR, First Aid, Emergency preparedness... these are no brainers to have on my resume.
Sarah:
YES! If you have a home pool it is even more important to hire a nanny who can swim and is up to date on cpr and first aid.
Williamsburg Nanny Agency:
Yes. If a family requires a nanny to take their charge to a pool, we require that they are strong swimmers and have CPR and First Aid.
I don't swim and still get great nanny jobs. But if the house has a pool the parents shouldn't hire people who can't swim.
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