Splash Into Pool and Summer Safety with Lifeguards

Summer is almost gone but there’s still time for water slides, diving boards, sprinklers, and inner tubes jam-packed with family fun. As you prepare one last round of exciting summer plans, like pool visits and full days at the water park, make sure that you remember these safety tips, presented courtesy of Cooksey's Lifeguard and Swim Academy.

Summer Safety with Lifeguards and Rules for Kids

Watch your surroundings. Ensure your kids know to pay attention to who is around them at all times. This way they will avoid over-splashing others, and they will be less likely to become separated from you. It is also a good reminder to never swim alone and to keep an adult nearby.

Take note of where the lifeguards are located. If your child knows where the lifeguards are positioned around the pool, it will be easier for them to get help if needed or respond to a lifeguard if they blow their whistle.

Do not run near the edges of the pool. The edges of pools are often wet and therefore slippery. Running around a pool could cause slipping, which could cause significant injuries.

Do not hold anyone under water. Review the dangers of being underwater too long, and explain how it is not safe to dunk anyone under water.

Do not dive head-first into the water, unless the water is deep enough. If the water is too shallow, or if the child is not skilled in diving, this could cause injuries.

Swim in the appropriate side of the pool. Many pools vary in size and sometimes change depths in different portions of the pool. Your child should stay in the side that either allows them to stand up in the pool, or fits their swimming skill level.

Pool water is for swimming, not drinking. If you have a small child, be sure that they know it is dangerous to drink the water in the pool, especially because of the chemicals. Also, review the importance of holding your breath before going underwater. 

Safety Tips for You

Make sure your child knows how to swim. Swimming lessons are typically offered through organizations like the YMCA or the American Red Cross and are well-worth the time.

Apply and reapply sunscreen to your child if you are heading to an outdoor pool facility. Easily forgotten areas include: the ears, top of the feet, and back of the neck. Worldwide Pediatrics warns that sunburns can cause pain now, and put kids at risk for skin cancer and increased acne later.

Prevent mold growth on wet carpet. If you kids make a habit of walking through carpeted areas while dripping wet, they could be creating areas of potential mold growth. Be sure to vacuum any wet carpeted areas with a shop vac or wet/dry vac to prevent these wet spots from becoming problematic.

Use the appropriate floatation devices. Check the label on your child’s arm floaties or life jackets to make sure they meet the proper size and weight requirements. Also double check that these devices are secure before your child jumps into the waves.

Keep kids supervised at all times. This rule applies for kids of all ages. If you are trying to work from home (or from a laptop at a public pool or water park) while your child swims or plays in the water, consider hiring a teen or young college student to help supervise. Or put your child into a summer swim program instead. Dividing your attention can put your child at risk unnecessarily.

Keep your home pool secure. Make sure you prevent anyone from entering the pool unattended. Consider building a fence around the perimeter of the pool, complete with a lockable gate. Use Google to search for “local fencing companies near me” to begin your search for a well-reviewed and trustworthy fence contractor.

Keep your home pool chemicals out of reach. While pool chemicals help keep your water clean, they can also be a safety concern. Store your pool chemicals in the container in which you purchased them to avoid any accidental chemical or heat-related reactions. 

Keep your child hydrated. It is just as important to monitor the water inside of them as it is to watch the water around them. Swimming Dad reminds us that swimming is a sport that expends energy, and we sweat when we swim, which means we also need to drink water. Be sure to bring water or a sports drink to the pool and encourage your child to drink regularly to avoid dehydration during play.

Summer is rushing by but there’s still time for one last round of sun and fun! Now that you and your family are drenched in water safety tips, grab your towels and dive into that pool.

Keeping your loved-ones safe with a certified Red Cross lifeguard has never been easier — hire a private lifeguard from Cooksey’s Lifeguard and Swim Academy

Written by Lily Tamrick of parenthubspot.com