Last week we talked about pool safety awareness for our little kids and pets. Today I would like to share some easy pool safety tips your family can use and teach to younger kids as well. When we teach our kids rules they love to remind us of them, whether to receive awareness that they are listening or sometimes they like to remind their siblings by “pointing out” to their parents when someone isn’t following the rules. Kids listen. They know what their parents are talking about. If you sit down with your family right now, while pool season is just beginning, and lay down the rules along with why these rules are important then everyone puts in the effort to make pool time fun time!
- Always have an adult watch you when you are in the pool — even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if there is no adult around. Always call an adult or lifeguard if there is an emergency.
- Gates are around pools for a reason — to keep kids away from the water when there isn’t a lifeguard or adult around to watch them. Never go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out!
- Always obey pool rules.
- Swim with a buddy.
- If you’re learning to swim, ask your mom or dad to make sure your flotation devices are Coast Guard approved.
- Walk slowly in the pool area. Don’t run.
- Swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you’re just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end.
- Don’t push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
- Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they’re fun and can help you while you learn to swim, what they can’t do is save a life. They’re toys that can lose air or float away.
- Don’t chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke.
For more safety tip ideas click here!