In our final article in this series (see Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4), we’ll consider some more practical rules you can teach kids to help ensure that they stay safe in and around the pool.
Keep Away from Filters and Drains
Drains or filters, especially in older pools, can pose a drowning risk due to their strong suction of the surrounding water. This suction can pull in loose clothing items, long hair, or even fingers, toes, and limbs of smaller children. Kids should be warned to stay away from these devices. It’s also a smart idea to have your pool drains and filters checked to see if they fit current safety standards. If they don’t, you should replace them.
Use Pool Accessories Safely
If your pool is equipped with a diving board or water slide, or you’re swimming at a public pool with these amenities, make sure kids understand how to use them safely. For example, kids should always remain seated on the slide feet first, go down one at a time, and clear the area beneath the slide promptly so others can slide down. Make sure that children meet any weight or height requirements before getting on a water slide.
For a diving board, children should only jump or dive off of it if they are capable of swimming safely to the side of the pool afterward. If a child isn’t a strong enough swimmer to go in the deep end, then they shouldn’t be using the diving board. Once they dive off, a child should immediately swim to the side of the pool so other people can use the diving board after them. When the diving board is in use, keep children who are swimming and playing away from that area so they don’t get in the diver’s way.
Keep Safety in Mind When You Play
Teach children to observe water safety while they play. Don’t allow them to roughhouse in the pool. Such games as chicken or breath-holding games can result in injuries, passing out, or accidental drownings. Remind them not to dunk or hold other children underwater. Excessive splashing should also be discouraged, as it can cause the deck to become even more wet and slippery than it would be otherwise. It could also possibly cause breathing or swimming problems for children who aren’t strong swimmers. Remind kids that they’re expected to show proper courtesy to others the entire time they’re in the pool.
The time you spend with friends and family in your backyard oasis or at the local community pool should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The more you seek to remind your children of the pool rules as well as model safe swimming behavior in front of them, the more likely they are to follow the rules. Teaching children these important guidelines, making sure they’re prepared to swim safely, providing responsible adult supervision, and mastering CPR are all key ways you can greatly reduce the risk of drowning or other pool-related accidents and injuries. So always remind your kids that safe swimming is fun swimming!
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