Pools provide easy entertainment in the summer, and they are a great way to beat the heat! However, it is important for families to continue being diligent in and around water, as drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 18. Whether your kids spend time at a community or backyard pool, please take time to read this safety refresher.
10 things to know and teach your kids about pool safety:
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Do not leave children alone in or near a pool
This includes inflatable and other children’s pools. An adult should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision” for infants and toddlers. For older children, an adult should be paying constant attention and be free from distractions. The supervising adult must know how to swim. NOTE: Lifeguards are wonderful people to have around in case of an emergency, but they are watching a lot of children at once – always supervise your own children, or make sure a responsible adult has eyes on them at your request.
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Get your kids into swimming lessons
Kids of all ages can benefit from swimming lessons. However, teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT guarantee that he or she is safe in water.
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Have a phone nearby
If there is an emergency, having a phone by the pool can help get the proper emergency personnel there quickly.
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Do not leave a toy in or around a pool
This is especially important if there are not adults in or around the pool. It may tempt a child to jump in after it.
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Do not leave water in an inflatable or plastic pool after use
If you use one of these types of pools in your backyard, make sure you dump the water out and turn the pool upside down when finished.
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Use a fence
If you have a pool at your home, install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. Pool covers and pool alarms are not a substitute for fencing. Make sure the gates in the fence self-close and self-latch at a height small children can’t reach.
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Locate safety equipment
No matter where your family is swimming, know where the rescue equipment is. This includes a shepherd’s hook (a long pole with a hook on the end) and a life preserver.
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Avoid unapproved inflatable swimming aids
This includes “floaties” for young children. They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children and parents a false sense of security.
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Avoid roughhousing in and around water
Teach children and teens to never run, push or jump on others around water, as the risk of injury is too great. Also counsel teenagers about the increased risk of drowning when alcohol is involved.
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Know your pool
Make sure your kids are familiar with the pool, including its depth. They should never dive into an unknown depth or one that is too shallow.
It’s important to know that children can drown in even the smallest body of water, including toilets, decorative fountains, portable pools, buckets and bath tubs. Children should be supervised by an adult if they are around any of these types of standing water.
From fireworks to bike rides, there’s no doubt that summer is filled with outdoor fun. Learn how to keep your family safe throughout the warmest season of the year.
I seldom discuss these posts, but I think this deserved a well done
Wonderful Piece
All we know the need of swimming pool. Swimming pool gives us a better life especially in summer. Thanks to Kate Setter for such an informative blog. Safety is very essential and the first aspect of swimming pool act. In my point of view all swimming pool owners should read this and follow all the safety tips.
https://www.slideshare.net/annabelbennett15/swimming-pool-safety-maintenance-tips-39411834
I like your tips discussing teaching kids about pool safety. I especially like tip number three, about making sure there’s a telephone nearby. Teaching children the responsibility of being safe is critical. Hopefully, my children will be safe and aware around our pool.
Summer season is meant for pool parties, especially when you have 4th of July approaching the next week. Of course there will be children coming in. Therefore, one should plan in advance for pool parties and make the necessary arrangements to make sure children enjoy safely without holding themselves back. It is very important for the host to make sure that the safety rules mentioned in the blog are followed. Pool safety for kids can be easily taken care of by these steps. Additionally, we need to check the pool surface for problems and solve them through plastering and resurfacing. We should get it done immediately to avoid any mishap
Hello Kate!
Thanks for such an informative and helpful post.
Swimming is the one which we both kids and adults love, but in this fun time we didn’t bother about the safety tips. Which is an important thing to consider.
You have clearly outlined each and every points of safety measures .
Worth going through it. Enjoyed reading it.
Nice written.
Backyard pool and pool cutter can create a danger for kids. Pool safety is essential for kids safety near the pool areas. Thanks for sharing about pool safety. It’s really helpful.
Nice article, appreciate the time it took to post it. Well thought out. Pools need rules. Enough said.
Hello,
I am completely agree with your point that Safe swimming is compulsory for kids as well as for adults now a days.
Thank You So Much for tips 😀
Thank you for reminding me that I should always be around to supervise my kids whenever they use our pool to avoid any possible accidents. They’ve been asking me frequently when they can use the pool since summer has already started and they want to enjoy their vacation. It might be a good idea to ask professionals if they could do basic maintenance first before allowing my kids to use it.
These tips are essential to all pool owners. Safe and health must be a priority all the time.
Pools offer fantastic summer fun and relief from the heat, but it’s crucial for families to prioritize water safety. With drowning being a significant risk for children, whether at a community pool or in the backyard, it’s essential to stay vigilant and informed about water safety guidelines.
I appreciate your insights on teaching kids about pool safety. Tip number three, ensuring there’s a telephone nearby, is particularly noteworthy. Instilling a sense of responsibility for safety in children is crucial. I hope that with these precautions, my children will be safe and mindful around our pool.
Thanks for the important reminders, Dawne! Your list of pool safety tips is spot-on. Let’s keep our kids safe this summer by always supervising them near water, teaching them to swim, and being aware of potential dangers. Here’s to a fun and safe summer season for everyone!
Thank you for this! My kids love to swim, but safety is a must!
Teaching kids about pool safety is essential to prevent accidents and ensure a fun and secure swimming experience. Make sure they understand the importance of always having an adult present, avoiding running near the pool, and staying away from drains. Encourage them to learn to swim and be aware of the pool’s depth, avoiding diving in shallow areas. By instilling these habits early, you can help your children enjoy the water safely.