Coaches, lifeguards, and athletic trainers are trained to spot concussions, but parents are the first line of defense. Since concussion symptoms may not appear immediately, parents’ knowledge of their child’s typical behavior, mood, and awareness is essential to ensuring prompt medical attention.
Symptoms you might notice in your child include a stunned or dazed appearance, confusion, forgetting instructions, or difficulty remembering events. They may show clumsiness or slow responses, experience mood or behavior changes such as irritability, anxiety, or sadness, and have sleep disturbances, including sleeping too much or difficulty sleeping. Other signs can include unequal pupil size or a brief loss of consciousness.
Children may also experience persistent or worsening headaches, nausea or vomiting, and balance or vision problems such as dizziness or double or blurry vision. They might show weakness, numbness, or poor coordination, as well as sensitivity to light or noise. Additionally, children may feel foggy, sluggish, or “not right,” and have difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
If your child experiences a head impact or body jolt and shows any of the symptoms above, seek medical attention immediately. Even seemingly minor incidents can result in a concussion that requires evaluation.
Swimming is generally considered a low-risk sport for concussions. However, injuries can still happen in and out of the pool. Understanding the signs and knowing what to do can help parents respond quickly to any injury.
After any impact, monitor your child’s behavior and sleep patterns closely. Communicate with coaches and instructors about potential risks, and educate your child on the importance of reporting head injuries immediately. If any symptoms appear, be sure to follow up promptly with healthcare providers.
At Premier Aquatic Services, we are committed to teaching children safe water practices and educating parents about first aid, injury prevention, and safety measures, including concussion awareness.
