For many families, the pool provides a welcome escape from summer’s heat. Whether it’s a backyard pool, a friend’s pool or a public facility, pools can provide hours of fun and relaxation for parents and their children alike. But when it comes to keeping kids safe around the pool, there are some important steps that should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.

Supervision is Key 

The most important thing to remember when it comes to kids and swimming pools is that you must always supervise them. Even if your child knows how to swim, they should never be allowed in the water unsupervised. It is also important to designate an adult as the “pool watcher” who will stay out of the water but always keep an eye on all swimmers. This person should not be distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other activities that can take away from their attention to safety.

Create Rules for Your Pool

It is also important to create rules for your family regarding pool safety. Make sure everyone knows where they are allowed in the pool area and what behaviors are not permitted while swimming such as running or pushing people into the water. You should also establish rules about diving off walls or using flotation devices without permission from an adult present in the pool area. It is also helpful to explain why these rules are important and how following them will help keep everyone safe while enjoying time spent at the pool together!                                                                                                                                                           

Teach Swimming Basics Early

When teaching children how to swim, start early! Teaching basic swimming skills as soon as possible can make all the difference when it comes to safety in and around any type of body of water—no matter how shallow! Teach them basic strokes like freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke so that they feel comfortable in any situation. Make sure they understand what it means to float on their back as well as how to tread water for extended periods of time so that they will know what do if ever faced with an emergency such as fatigue due to exhaustion—or even worse! It's best to have these skills down pat before they enter more advanced waters such as lakes or oceans where currents may pose greater risk than those found in swimming pools. There are lots of parent & baby programs out there, which can both be fun and get them going early so everyone has the right tools to stay afloat.

Floaty Devices

It goes without saying babies, even when introduced to the water in their early years, are not advised to enter a pool without supervision, and most important floaties. There are lots of options to choose from. They should be fully secured to ensure there is no possibility the devices slip out.

Sunscreen

This one goes without saying. Obviously, pool safety is all about preventing accidents like drowning, but we must never forget babies skin, and kids in general is sensitive, soft and fine and we need to remember to reapply sunscreen often so they don’t end up with a burn which can ruin an amazing day at the pool and cause long term damage.

Conclusion

Swimming pools can provide endless hours of fun during summer months but ensuring your children’s safety should always be top priority. By taking simple steps like always supervising your kids, creating appropriate rules for your family, teaching basic swimming skills early on, and utilizing the use of floating tools you can rest assured knowing that your little ones will enjoy time spent at the pool safely! When done correctly, swimming with kids can become a cherished tradition for years—and generations—to come.