Parent Guide to Pool Safety

It’s important to always have someone on water-watching duty, especially with kids in group swims

A pool means a lot of fun for the whole family, especially over the summer. However, with it comes the responsibility of keeping the little ones from harm. Children may not be fully aware of the potential hazards a pool poses. Therefore, it’s up to parents to keep them safe.

While a pool can keep kids engaged for hours, drowning is always a risk. In addition, there can be serious non-fatal injuries as well.

Here are some important pool safety tips for parents and caregivers:

Discuss pool safety

The possibility of drowning should be a part of the pool conversation as soon as a child is old enough to understand the risks. Let kids know about water safety. Engage other parents by sharing stories on social media regarding drowning to raise awareness. Also, share tips on how to keep children safe.

Embrace water watching

It’s important to always have someone on water-watching duty, especially with kids in group swims. Learn more about what a distressed child looks like. They are normally in a vertical position, with the head tipped backward. A drowning child may not always yell for help, flail their arms, or splash.

Don’t use your phone

Phones are distracting. A parent needs to be attentive with kids in a pool, even when they are in the shallow end. It’s easy for a child to slip under the surface and drown silently; drowning can happen in seconds. Children should never be left unattended for any reason, including a parent responding to a text or answering a phone call.

Make swim lessons a priority

This is important even for those who don’t live near any water body. Children are exposed to water at some point, be it in someone’s home, at school, or during vacation. Therefore, swimming lessons will benefit kids. But, consult a pediatrician on when to start and how to go about it. Teaching kids to be comfortable in water early enough helps them gain skills that could save their lives.

Be ready for emergencies

This involves learning basic emergency techniques. One can save a life while waiting for emergency responders. Get lessons with other like-minded parents.

Install four-sided fences

A fence can separate the backyard and the house from the pool. While it may not be aesthetically pleasing, it can protect a child’s life. Even though it is not a legal requirement, parents should consider installing such a fence.

Cover the pool

The pool needs a rigid safety cover even in summer. The cover should fit the pool surface to avoid trapping a child underneath.

Clear the pool area of toys

Toys or chemical dispensers resembling toys should never be left around the pool. It may attract the little ones and put them at risk.

Get expert pool services

A well-maintained pool poses fewer risks to users. Before using a pool after a long period of non-usage, get professionals to check various aspects, ensuring everything is as it should be. The gates, fencing, and electrical components should always be in the best shape. Professionals can install and maintain a pool with security features and make pool safety recommendations.

If you have a pool need, whether it’s service, renovation, repair, lighting, or something else, call Magic Matt’s Pools at 623-745-9953 today!