Is there anything better on a hot summer day than jumping into a cool pool? Not really!
Whether it's your own pool, the public pool, or at a neighbor's house, going swimming is a classic summer activity that always ends up fun.
However, to make sure that fun doesn't turn to danger, it's important to follow some basic pool rules. Even if it's not at your own house, there are things you should be monitoring whenever you're near water...especially with children.
Before you take your family for a swim this summer, make sure everyone is aware of the basic safety involved!
1. Build a fence surrounding the pool with a self-latching gate.
This is important even if you're at a neighbor's house. Kids often don't realize the dangers a pool can pose, so ensuring there is a safety feature to make the pool less accessible is crucial. Sometimes it's not pool time, but the little ones want it to be.
2. Make sure there's a non-slip surface around the pool (also, don't run!)
"No running!" is the rule everyone remembers from the public pool. But sometimes, it just happens. That's why it's important to have a non-slip surface, so it's less likely the wet sides of the pool pose an immediate threat. You can only do so much to control rambunctious children!
3. ALWAYS make sure an adult is supervising.
And if you are the adult, make sure you are doing a head count regularly. Teach kids from a young age that the pool is only to be used when a trusted adult is there, and is never a solo activity.
4. Keep pool chemicals locked up and away from kids.
Read the labels and NEVER add chemicals while people are in the pool.
Continue reading to learn more about how to keep your family safe at the pool this year.
5. If you see bad weather, stay out of the pool.
Whether it's just rain, or thunder and lightning, stay out of the pool. Pools aren't safe during poor weather conditions. If you hear or see lightning, stay away from the pool for 30 minutes. If you see thunder and lightning again, wait an additional 30 minutes. It's not worth putting your family at risk just for a swim. Stay indoors and make a game of listening for thunder or looking for lightning.
6. Keep a phone and first aid kit close by.
Anything can happen around the pool. A nasty slip and fall, a diving board mishap, or even a bee sting. Having a phone nearby means help is only a call away, and a first aid kit is just good practice. If someone does get injured, make sure everyone clears out of the pool while it is being dealt with so you can focus on the task at hand.
7. Apply sunscreen often.
Sunscreen may be water proof, but that doesn't mean you only have to apply once. It won't hurt to keep adding it, plus the reflection of the sun on the water makes you even more likely to burn!
8. Children who cannot swim should be wearing flotation devices.
Arm floaters, a life-jacket, or some other form of flotation device is required for people who can't swim at my house. It should be noted that these are NOT guaranteed to prevent drowning, but they are absolutely helpful. Kids who are unable to swim should be more closely monitored by the adult supervisor.
9. Maintain boundaries when it comes to the diving board.
Only one person should be on the diving board at a time. No one should be in the direct landing path of the board. Only perform dives, trick jumps, flips, if you are confident you can safely do so without hurting yourself or others.
If you follow these rules, along with any others you feel necessary to implement for your own family, there's no reason you can't have a safe and happy summer!