If you have little kids, you, of course, know about their love for swimming. Not only is swimming a great way to keep your babies healthy, but they also serve as a fun pastime.

However, swimming-related accidents are pretty common in pools, especially when it comes to the safety of children.

In fact, it has been observed that children aged between 1-4 die due to drowning more than any other reason. So, as a concerned parent, what are some of the steps that you need to take to ensure your children’s safety? Let this article tell you all about it.

1. Be around them when they are swimming

No matter how old your child is, you should always stay close to the pool so that you can monitor their swimming.

Even if the swimming instructor is there in the pool with your kids, they might not be able to give all their attention to your child since they’ll have more than one kid to handle.

So, you need to be on the lookout in case you see your little one struggling. The moment you see that your child might be in danger, you should alert their instructor or call out for help.

2. Make them wear proper gear

Just like with any other outdoor activity, it’s essential for your kids to wear proper swimming gear.

You can either buy swimwear online or go to a store and choose for your kids. Proper swimming gear includes a flexible swimsuit, a swimming cap, good-quality goggles, and earplugs.

For the swimsuit, make sure that the fabric is water-resistant and stretchable. In addition, the goggles should be specialized swimming ones to prevent chlorine water from entering your kid’s eyes.

3. Tend to bruises properly

Another important point to note is to ensure there are no open wounds or cuts on your child’s body.

Not only will the chlorine in the swimming water infect the wound, but the water will also get infected with the bacteria in the wound.

If your child has serious cuts, ask them not to swim in pools or lakes until it has completely healed. If the wound is mild, treat it with antibacterial ointment and cover it with a band-aid before letting your child swim.

4. Don’t let them dive in shallow waters

Did you know that spinal injuries are very common when children swim in pools or other water bodies? This is because many of them are afraid of diving into the pool’s deep end, so they try to dive into the shallow end.

However, their spines can get severely damaged this way and can lead to devastating injuries. So always make sure that your child never jumps into the shallow portion of any swimming pool, lake, or pond.

Check the pool markings clearly, and then let them dive into an appropriate depth.

5. Carry a first-aid kit with you

No matter where your child goes swimming, whether at the beach or swimming classes, make sure you carry a small first-aid kit with you.

Although most swimming pool services will have their own safety kits, you should always be extra careful and pack one of your own.

Ideally, it should have a couple of band-aids, an iodine solution, an ointment, and other necessary items. In case your child is injured, you should be able to provide at least a little bit of relief to them before it’s too late.

6. Give them water and fluids

Most parents feel that their children won’t need fluids since swimming is a water-based activity. However, this is a big misconception.

Whether you’ve taken your little ones swimming in the water park or somewhere else, it’s necessary to give them plenty of water and other fluids from time to time.

Even if they’re swimming in the water, their body is working hard, and they are sweating it out. So make sure you pack enough water bottles and energy drinks.

Over to you…

These are some of the basic safety tips that you need to make sure of before your children run into the water. If you keep these pointers in mind, you can be sure that your little ones won’t ever get into any trouble!

Even though it’s 2023, we can’t get over vintage prints and styles! And now that it’s spring, you need to revamp your wardrobe and make space for some cute retro clothes.

3 in 5 customers in the US regularly buy vintage clothing (source:). So, if you’re thinking of some styling ideas this summer, keep reading!

1. High-waisted bottoms

Did you know that in the 1920s, women loved wearing high-waisted bottoms paired with tank tops? This is one of the easiest ideas to try out if you’re in a rush and you don’t know which vintage style would look good on you.

Simply wear a pair of high-waisted shorts in a retro print, such as bold stripes or circles, and add a monochromatic tank top. You can even go with a cute bandanna or a thick headband that matches your shorts for some extra jazz!

2. Layered fashion

During the 1940s, layered fashion became one of the most popular vintage clothing trends. And the best part is that you won’t even have to go out and buy any additional pieces of clothing to recreate this lovely look!

All you have to do is take a collared blouse from your wardrobe, preferably a monochromatic denim one, and wear flared pants. Then, you can either go for a light-colored pair of pants or choose something with vintage prints.

Bring in some texture with woven sandals, and you’re done!

3. Embellished clothes

If you’re trying out vintage clothes, then copying the famous Marilyn Monroe is something you’ll have to do. But, for women planning to hit the beach, vintage swimwear is a timeless classic.

Wear an embellished white tankini top and a high-waisted pair of shorts or bikini bottoms in a similar texture. If you wish to go the extra mile, wear a yellow or cream-colored sun hat, preferably one with a retro flower clipped.

4. Comfortable vintage looks

During the 1980s, clothing style became synonymous with comfort, and most women opted for loose clothes, especially while working out.

So if you want some inspiration for your gym wardrobe, check out a toned-down look that looks casual but also feels very soft.

For example, wear a short-sleeved gym top with camo biker shorts. For accessories, pin up your hair using bright clips or headbands. You can even wear a metallic anklet to give off the ultimate 80s vibe!

5. Maximalist prints

In 2023, minimalist prints became the norm, but during the vintage era, it was just the opposite. Maximalist prints are bold prints with bright colors and stylish shapes.

If you’re planning to go out for a girls’ brunch or a casual get-together, wear a long maximalist dress similar to the ones worn by Versace models on the runway.

However, be sure to go minimal with the jewelry and handbags because otherwise, the entire look can end up looking overdone.

6. Knotted clothes

Another popular option among vintage-style clothes was the trend of wearing knotted tops or pants.

If you already have loose blouses with big prints, simply turn them into vintage pieces by tying the ends into trendy knots. Then, wear them with lightly-printed shorts or full pants. Otherwise, you can purchase tight blouses with a large knot on the neck.

Not only will this look make you look chic, but it will also save you the hassle of finding a matching necklace to go with the outfit.

7. Full skirts

When we’re talking about retro clothes, brightly-printed skirts are a must. And you can wear these skirts with any sort of top, be it a loose t-shirt or a strap top!

However, be careful to wear flared and flowy skirts instead of tight pencil ones. Even if you don’t have a skirt like that, you can check out some of the floral-printed long skirts available online.

During the harsh summer, these skirts will provide you with ultimate comfort and make you look super cute!

Over to you…

No matter which vintage era’s fashion you choose, you can’t ever go wrong with sunny prints and cheerful colors. So what are you waiting for? Go to the nearest clothing store and treat yourself to some fashionable vintage-printed pieces today!

Queen Bey is back. After a four-year hiatus, Beyonce came back into the spotlight with a live concert held at the newly opened Atlantis, The Royal Dubai on January 21. As expected, the much-anticipated one-hour event pleased many of the GRAMMYs winner’s fans. However, not everyone was equally excited about her big return. Beyonce’s performance apparently sparked quite a controversy because of the location chosen for the event. 

An Iconic Performance

Beyonce’s grand return started like a well-organized theatrical production with violinists wearing massive red skirts and golden headpieces taking over the scene. They were followed by the singer’s iconic dancers and band, all standing still in a breathtaking scene, folding their hands while looking at the Egyptian-themed backdrop.

Invited guests including Kendall Jenner, Amir Khan, Halle Bailey, Rebel Wilson, Nia Long, and Ellen Pompeo all held their breath while watching Queen Bey rise up on a pedestal. The artist was seen wearing a yellow corseted dress and a feathered skirt over it, complemented by a backpiece covered in feathers and a golden microphone.

The concert, which also featured Beyonce’s parents, husband Jay-Z, and the couple’s children Blue Ivy, Sir Carter, and Rumi, began with a spectacular fireworks display. The event progressed, and the vocalist began performing, accompanied by the all-female Firdaus Orchestra, which was made up of women from 24 various nationalities.

During the “Brown Skin Girl” hit, 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy showed up on the stage dressed in a red sequined jumpsuit she wore underneath a skirt. Blue Ivy was seen performing a beautiful dance choreography next to her mother. She exited the scene blowing kisses to the crowd.

Beyonce finished the show by climbing a raised platform in the midst of the Skyblaze fountain, the Middle East’s first permanent fire and water display. A spectacular fireworks display emerged in the sky as the artist was gradually carried high into the air.

Why the Criticism?

The artist’s performance was just one of the many celebratory events used to mark the “Grand Reveal” weekend tied to Atlantis Resort’s new venue called The Royal. The opening of the resort has been greatly anticipated for many years. Spread across 63 hectares, the resort has 795 rooms and suites, a large number of hospitality venues, 90 swimming pools, and 17 restaurants. Other events celebrating the grand opening included dinners hosted by world-reputed chefs such as Mich Turner, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Jose Andres.

So why has Beyonce been criticized for her performance? The singer who was paid $24 million for her one-hour performance in Dubai made many people unhappy because of her choice of location. Dubai deems homosexuality illegal and considers it a crime that can be punishable by death. LGBAlliance’s co-founder Bev Jackson explained Beyonce’s show cast a “shadow over her support for lesbians and gay people”. 

 Her decision to perform here was rather surprising, given the fact that she has long been considered an iconic figure for gay people. Her latest 2022 album called “Renaissance” was envisioned as a love letter aimed at the Black community along with the queer dance music pioneers and communities. However, Beyonce did not perform any of the songs on this album which was also dedicated to her uncle Jonny who identified as gay and who also fought HIV. The singer also honored her uncle when she accepted her award during the 2019 GLAAD Media Awards. Then, she called her uncle “the most fabulous gay man I’ve ever known”.

Many voices accused the artist of accepting the generous cheque and agreeing to perform there for pure financial gain reasons, accusing her of her fake support for the LGBTQ community.

Is the UAE’s Attitude Shifting?

In spite of these strict rules regarding the gay community, Dubai continues to attract a massive number of tourists each year thanks to its luxurious resorts and entertainment. Gambling, however, is not one of them, since the activity is still considered illegal in the United Arab Emirates.

However, the near future might bring some important changes, as non-natives of the UAE may soon be able to play their favorite online casino and betting games with the help of foreign bookmakers like www.arabicbet.org. UAE officials may also legalize gambling by 2026 in an attempt to fight their competition in Saudi Arabia. Dubai officials already gave the green light for the first land casino ever to be built in the Arab Region by Wynn Resorts. 

The casino will be built on an artificial island off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. Good news for Beyonce’s husband rapper Jay Z who is known for his passion for poker, blackjack, and sports betting along with millions of other gaming lovers worldwide. 

Final Thoughts

Slowly but surely, the entire Arab Gulf region is expected to embrace less strict approaches toward gambling in the upcoming years to win the heated competition for tourists. To do this, there needs to be a shift in the cultural and traditional views of the region, as well as a strong commitment to modernizing the industry to provide a safe and secure environment for visitors. 

Although it is not yet certain how far the region will go in loosening its regulations, it is clear that the future of the Arab Gulf region’s gambling industry is looking brighter. With the focus now on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, the Arab Gulf region is well-positioned to become a major destination for tourists and A-list performers alike.