People like to spend time at swimming pools during the summer to beat the heat. Summer celebrations are centered around the favorite backyard fixture and that is a swimming pool. While swimming can be a healthy and fun activity for your kids, it can also present dangerous situations.
Before taking your kids to the pool, consider these pool safety tips to prevent accidents and injuries.
1. Fence It in:
Children are usually supervised around the pool when adult family members are also using it. But there is the probability of a kid approaching the pool unsupervised. A simple way to prevent your child from entering the pool is to install a barrier around it. Fence your pool to add a protective layer in addition to your watchful eye. Prevent drowning by installing a four-sided fence around the pool that is at least four feet high. If your pool is in a porch area, install a safety pool cover. Make sure to keep these safety barriers closed at all times when you are not using the pool. At Pool Guard USA, you can get customized pool fences, pool nets, and safety covers according to your pool size and shape.
2. Teach Your Kids About Swimming Safely:
Enroll your kids in swimming lessons and teach them how to float, tread water, and stay by the shore. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that swimming classes should be given to kids of age 4 and older. Start even earlier if you have your own pool. Teach children to swim with an adult every time. Older and experienced kids should also swim with a partner every time. Educate your children about the hazards of swimming without the supervision of an adult.
3. Take the Time to Learn CPR:
With so many other things to do, learning Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) should be your top priority. For every swimming session, make sure to have someone who knows CPR. That’s particularly important if your kid is going to someone’s house for a pool party. Many hospitals and recreation departments offer CPR training for parents. You can also have your kids learn CPR; it’s a skill that will be useful for a lifetime.
4. Flotation Devices Are Your Friends:
Another way to ensure your kids’ safety in the pool is with flotation devices. If you are not entirely confident on the swimming abilities of your young ones, this is a great way to protect them and have peace of mind. Arm floaties are a viable option to save your young kids from drowning. Moreover, life jackets can also be used for additional safety, and they are available in nearly all sizes. But do not rely completely on these flotation devices. Stay within an arm’s reach of your infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers. Use U.S Coast-Guard approved personal flotation devices.
5. Use Sunscreen:
Using sunscreen is essential for many summer activities, particularly for swimming. Although the sun doesn’t pose any immediate danger for youngsters, there is a risk of sunburn or skin cancer in the long term. If you’re planning on installing a new swimming pool, there will be a greater risk of sun damage due to your family spending a lot of time outdoors. The short and long-term effects of sun damage can be prevented with sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more and reapply after two hours.
