How to Practice Pool Safety for Kids

Summer is here and it is time to jump in the pool! No cares, no worries – just the hot sun and the cool water. But wait, did you know that most swimming accidents with children occur with an adult or parent nearby? Just because your child has had swimming lessons does not mean they are secure from a swimming accident! Its time to create or re-evaluate your pool safety rules!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Keep a child under 5 within arms reach at all times. If they are older, do not loose sight of your older children when they are in or near the water.

2. Use a life preserver if your child cannot or is not a good swimmer. Do not substitute air filled or foam toys as life preservers.

3. Teach children to avoid pool and hot tub drains. If it is your swimming pool have an anti-entrapment drain cover installed.

4. Clean out all pool toys when no one is swimming. They may entice children to reach for them and fall into the pool.

5. Forbid anyone from diving in an area of the pool that is less then 9 feet deep.

6. Forbid anyone from running around the swimming pool. Often cool decks get slippery when they are wet.

7. Have your children stay at the depth safest for them. If they are just learning to swim, they need to stay in the shallow end.

8. Do not allow horseplay such as jumping on or dunking someone. Especially, if you are not near by.

9. Review the above pool safety rules with your children “before” they are allowed into the swimming pool.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are swimming in lakes, rivers or the ocean you need to take special care. The water is murky and your children are not able to judge the depth.