Many water parks, splash pads and pools opened over Memorial Day Weekend. Have you opened your pool for the summer? Have you gotten out the kiddie pool for the littles to cool off on these hot spring days? Check out these safety tips for you and your family!
- BE ATTENTIVE! Anytime children are near water, be sure to keep all your attention on them and stay no more than an arm’s length away. No multitasking, not even to check that Facebook notification. Always have one person designated to watching the pool – take 30-minute shifts! Don’t rely on a lifeguard to watch in a public pool setting.
- EDUCATE! Teach your kids how to float, tread water and swim. Enroll them in swim lessons at a young age.
- EQUIP! Dress your kids in brightly colored swimsuits. The likelihood of a child being spotted quicker in the event of an aquatic emergency is significantly higher if they are wearing bright colors! Check out this chart from Alive Solutions that shows the difference a bright color can make in visibility.
- FOLLOW THE RULES! Or better yet, set the rules for your pool at home and stick to them! No horseplay near the edge of the pool like running or riding bikes. Only allow swimmers to enter the pool feet first unless the pool depth is 9 feet or more. Keep glass bottles or containers away from the pool. If you are at a public pool, be mindful of the rules they have in place.
- USE BEST JUDGEMENT! Never swim alone. Stay away from pool drains. Don’t play breath-holding games. Be observant of your surroundings and use your best judgement.
- PROTECT YOURSELF! Not only should you apply sunscreen every few hours while at the pool, but you should make certain that your pool at home is well maintained, all drains are in proper working order and the pool is secured by a fence. The fence can keep little ones from entering the water unknowingly, and it can deter non-residents from partaking while you aren’t around.
Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under the age of four according to the CDC. It can happen silently, within seconds, and in mere inches of water. Are you CPR certified? Do you have an emergency plan in place for your pool at home? Let’s work together to minimize the risk this summer!
