Last Updated on April 19, 2017
The pool is a great place to have fun in the sun this summer. Kids love to swim and splash around, and adults can soak up some rays or jump in the water and join the fun. It’s important to remember, though, that pool accidents are common and safety at the pool is the first priority. Here are five tips to teach your kids to help them stay safe at the pool.
Teach them to swim
It’s never too early to learn to swim. Swimming lessons can help kids maneuver safely, even in deep water. Strong swimming skills also build confidence, making the child less likely to panic in the water and stop swimming productively. Swimming lessons can teach children of all ages how to have fun and be safe in the water.
Make pool rules clear
As the grown-up, one of the best things you can do for your kids at the pool is to set rules and stick to them. Teach kids not to run on pool decks and not to push one another under the water. Make sure your kids know the rules before entering the pool facility, and insist that children who break the rules leave the pool deck. The pool is fun, but safety is serious business.
Use floaties
Teach children how to use water wings, floating rings, noodles, and other fun flotation devices. These products can help kids float more easily, making it easier for them to keep their heads above the water. They can also help younger swimmers feel more confident in the pool with bigger kids.
Teach kids about rescue devices
Just as it’s never too early to learn to swim, it’s also never too early to start learning basic rescue techniques. Young children should be taught where life preservers are kept and to throw them to other swimmers, not to try to grab on to someone who is sinking. They should also be taught to identify the lifeguard. Older kids can take lessons on first aid and CPR.
Use the buddy system
Teach children to never, ever swim alone. Young children should always be supervised by an alert adult, and a lifeguard should be present. Older kids may be able to swim together, based on their maturity levels and swimming skills. Teach kids to swim only when a lifeguard is on duty and only with parental permission, and teach them to always let a grown-up know when they are going into the water.
Enjoy the pool this summer with your family safely. These simple tips can help you teach your children how to enjoy the water with the least risk so that everyone leaves the pool wet, happy, safe, and injury-free.
