Guest Post: 20 Ways to Stay Pool Safe

by Alex Robbins from safetytoday.org

​Can you imagine the warm sun on your face and the cool water splashing on your feet? It won’t be long before the pool days we are all dreaming of will finally be a reality! So while we are daydreaming of summer pool plans, let’s start a checklist of what we should keep in mind during our day in the waves.
 
The next time you gather the family for a pool outing, make sure that you are fully prepared to enjoy the water safely. Here are several tips that will help make your trip smooth and safe.

1. Apply sunscreen at an outdoor facility. Throughout the day, reapply the sunscreen to make sure you are fully protected during your entire pool stay.
2. Keep your eyes on your surroundings. Make sure that your kids know where you are at all times, and that you are close enough to help them if they need you.
3. Don't run around the edges of the pool. This rule is a great one to explain to your kids. The area surrounding the pool is often very wet and slippery, which could cause falling and significant injuries.
4. Look for the lifeguards and respond quickly when they blow their whistle. The lifeguards are there to help you enjoy your day, help them help you. 
5. Stay hydrated. Since swimming is a sport, you and your kids will expend a lot of energy during your day. Keep water inside of you while you play in the water around you.
6. If you have a pool at home, surround it with a fence or railing to avoid accidents and injuries, and look into other safety equipment to make your pool safer . 
7. Use the appropriate floatation devices, such as arm floaties and life jackets, which are labeled by weight and size. 
8. Learn CPR and first aid in the case of an emergency. Skills like these can come in handy in many different situations, especially at the pool. 
9. Do not hold anyone under the water. Many kids loving playing games in the pool and going underwater. You may want to explain the dangers of being underwater too long.
10. Use the buddy system and never swim alone. Make sure your kids to know keep a friend who can swim nearby at all times. This way they can help each other, should the need arise.
11. Do not bring sharp or non-pool friendly items into the water. Check your pockets and empty them of items that could be destroyed or cause injuries in the pool.
12. Do not eat in the pool. It’s not a good idea to eat during physical activities. Aside from stomach aches, it could cause other issues such as choking. Plus, it’s always good to keep the water clean from debris or trash.
13. Stay in the appropriate depth of the pool. Make sure your child is in the portion of the pool that suits their swimming abilities.
14. Keep small children away from pool drains or vents to avoid injuries. 
15. Do not distract the lifeguards unless there is an emergency, so that their eyes can be on the water at all times.
16. If swimming for a long period of time, take breaks to avoid exhaustion. 
17. Understand and follow the instructions given by the pool facility. Many pools have their own list of rules that are specific to their facility. 
18. Do not play roughly with others in the pool. Many lifeguards will not allow horseplay and others could be harmed.
19. If maintaining a home pool, do not use the pool chemicals in any way other than for the use on the label. 
20. Rinse off after swimming to wash away chemicals from your skin.

Photo By: Pixabay.com

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