On a hot summer’s day, nothing beats fun in the swimming pool, whether you’re by yourself or with family and friends.
When you’re out there having fun, it’s important to stay safe, especially if small children are present.
When something goes wrong in the water, it can become dangerous incredibly fast. There are some steps you can take which will maximize your children’s safety, and if you remain vigilant, nothing should go wrong.
Today, we’re going to explore twelve safety tips to ensure your children and your guests are safe while having a good time.
Pool Safety Procedures
- Whether the children are in the pool or just play nearby it, be sure to keep an eye on them. If other adults are around, take shifts watching the children. This way, everyone gets a break to take part in the activities, but there’s always someone ensuring the safety of the children.
- Pool noodles and inflatable armbands (AKA floaties or water wings) are not adequate safety devices if one of the children can’t swim. Instead, make sure any children who can’t swim have a life jacket.
- You will want to keep several items close at hand in the event something goes wrong. First, have your cell phone handy, in case you need to dial 911. Keep a first aid kit nearby. Always have extra life jackets on hand. Finally, make sure you keep some scissors around. If a child (or adult) has their hair caught in something, you will not have time to untangle it if they’re underwater, and instead should just cut it.
- If one of the parents can’t find their child, check to make sure they aren’t in the pool before you look elsewhere.
- Make sure someone there knows how to perform CPR on both adults and children.
- Consider installing a fence around your swimming pool. Make sure it’s tall enough to keep small children from climbing over it.
- Install a pool cover for when the pool is not in use (if you don’t own one already).
- If you do own a pool cover, make sure it is still in good condition. Whenever you notice they are deterioration or defective, see if a local pool company can repair it. Otherwise, just purchase a new one.
- Give your child swimming lessons and teach them how to stay safe in the water.
- Consider investing in pool alarms so you know if someone is near the swimming pool.
- Use drain covers. If you don’t know which ones are right for your pool, contact a pool provider near you for more information.
- Use window guards on any windows which face your swimming pool.
While not every one of these is necessary, at least follow the first five steps to make sure the children are safe. If you are prepared for any possible catastrophe, then you can quickly avert it. If everyone is safe, then everyone can have fun without worry.
