Summertime is right around the corner, which for many little ones means a summer full of swimming and playing in the water! Whether your little one will be spending a lot of time in the pool,  the ocean, a lake, or even just a water play station in the backyard, it’s important to be mindful of proper water safety. In this blog, we’ll discuss some tips for swimming, the pool, and general water safety!

What Should I Do When My Kids Are In The Water?

Make sure inexperienced or weak swimmers stay within arm’s reach of an adult. Young but experienced swimmers should stay in pairs.

Designate an adult to watch the water for a set amount of time. Rotate however often feels comfortable, ie, every 15 minutes, so the designated adult is less likely to get distracted and gets to enjoy the day.

Avoid distractions such as books, phones, magazines, or loud music when you are the primary adult responsible for watching the swimmers.

Make sure your child’s bathing suit is in a water-safe color. Blue bathing suits can be hard to spot in a pool. Colors like neon green, hot pink, and bright orange can help your child stand out in the pool, making it easier to keep track of them and spot under water.

What Are Some Pool Safety Tips For Kids?

Even if your children are competent swimmers, make sure there is a clear line of sight from your house to the pool. Preferably from a room you spend a lot of time in. 

Install a fence around the pool, preferably between four and five feet tall. Make sure that any gates do not have child-friendly latches. 

Store pool chemicals safely in an area that is inaccessible to children. Take the time to explain to your children that chemicals are not safe to be used by children, rather than just telling them not to touch them. 

If you have a small kiddie pool, make sure you empty it and flip it upside down immediately after use. Store the pool outside of your children’s reach. 

What Are Some General Swimming Safety Tips To Remember?

Never leave children alone in or around the water.

Children can drown in as little as one inch of water. Even if your child isn’t in a large body of water, they still need to be monitored.

Never replace a lifejacket with pool toys or water wings.

Don’t allow gum chewing or eating while swimming, diving, or playing in the water.

Keep a first aid kit on hand while swimming. 

Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.

Dump water from buckets, kiddie pools, and any large water receptacles after use and store them upside down.

Don’t pressure children to swim when they aren’t ready. 

Remove toys and floats from the pool immediately after swimming. Children may be tempted to reach in to grab the toy while unattended.

Discuss the importance of swimming and pool safety with your children to reduce accidents.