Health Children should never jump overheated into the cold water

Children have to take a shower before jumping into the cold water
The summer temperatures drive many people to the quarry pond or the outdoor pool. On hot days there is hardly a better cooling than a quick dip in the cold water. But before that you should definitely take a shower - this is especially true for children. Otherwise there are threats of health risks.

Cool before bathing
In the current summer temperatures there is nothing better than to cool off while bathing. However, health experts repeatedly point out that especially seniors should cool off before bathing. Elderly people with cardiovascular disease are at greater risk of reacting to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia when jumping into the cool water. But even for children, it can be dangerous in cold bathing waters.

Especially for children there is usually nothing better in summer than to cool off while bathing. The little ones should be sure to take a shower first. (Image: Brocreative / fotolia.com)

Send children under the shower
Parents should always send their children under the shower before splashing in cool water. This is indicated by the Professional Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ) on its website "kinderaerzte-im-netz.de".

"Not only for hygienic reasons should adolescents shower before going into a pool, into a lake or into the sea, but also to cool off and prepare the body for the temperature difference," says Prof. Hans-Jürgen Nentwich from the BVKJ.

If the little ones were exposed to heat before, the jump into the cold water could be life-threatening. Especially children with heart failure are at risk.

They could quickly lose consciousness of extreme temperature changes. When it is hot outside, even at water temperatures around 25 degrees, cardiac arrhythmias can occur.

Those affected can barely hold their breath
It threatens a so-called "immersion shock". The vessels narrow, the blood pressure rises and the muscles tense up.

"Those affected gasp, start hyperventilating, and can barely hold their breath, causing water to enter their lungs. Cardiac arrhythmias may be added, "said the pediatrician.

A person can normally hold their breath for about 60 to 90 seconds, but in this condition, it only takes a few seconds. (Ad)