Swimming can be such a fun and healthy way for your family to beat the heat this summer, but it’s also important for you to recognize the risks that can come with playing in or around water. This is particularly crucial if you are thinking about getting a pool for your kids. Preventing accidental drownings and other accidents should be your primary focus, and you can use this list of pool safety resources to keep these incidents from ruining your summer fun.
Pool Setup and Maintenance Tips
If you plan on putting a pool in your yard, you need to make sure it is secure and safe for your children to swim and play in, and these tips can help you do just that.
● Unless you are investing in an in-ground pool, you will likely need to read through all pool setup and installation instructions before you begin your project.
● Whether you go for an in-ground or above-ground pool, you need to make sure that your pool is secured by a barrier or fence.
● Properly maintaining your pool, including the pool itself and the water, is crucial for keeping your family safe when using it.
● Understanding when to repair a pool can also be essential for your family’s safety.
Information on Swim Lessons
Before buying a pool for your home, you should make sure that everyone in your family knows how to swim. Here are some resources for getting started with lessons.
● With drowning the top cause of accidental child death between the ages of 1 and 4, swim lessons are critical for your kids. You can learn more about this subject by visiting Parents Preventing Childhood Drowning.
● Swimming can also be a fun and healthy activity for your entire family, which is another reason to invest in swim lessons for anyone who needs them.
● The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends children begin swimming lessons at 1 year of age. Studies have show that high quality swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. It is important to note swim lessons provide 1 layer of protection from drowning, swim lessons do not “drown proof” a child, and parents must continue to provide barriers to prevent unintended access when not in the water and closely supervise children when in and around water.
● Learning to swim is also important for adults, especially if they will be supervising kids.
Pool Safety Rules and First Aid Info
Being able to swim can keep your family safe, but you should also take a few additional measures to prevent and respond to potential swimming pool accidents.
● Accidental drownings can occur when kids enter pools without adults knowing. So, in addition to a barrier, you should also invest in pool alarms.
● To avoid unsupervised access and other behaviors that can lead to accidents, also be sure to discuss pool safety rules with your children.
● Children with autism can be at an even higher risk for accidental drowning, so exercise added caution if your children are on the spectrum.
● Make sure you have pool safety essentials, like a first aid kit and life ring, nearby.
Teaching and allowing your kids to swim can be critical for their long term health and safety. So having a pool in your backyard can provide the perfect opportunity to impart this essential life skill. Still, having a pool can come with risks as well. So make sure you are aware of these risks and the steps needed to reduce them, so you can have some peace of mind around your pool.
Written by Alex Robbins, a team member of Safety Today. Alex is a stay-at-home father of three lively boys. Home safety is a number one priority when you are around this much energy and curiosity!