Staying Safe in the Pool

As the season's temperatures continue to rise, many people are flocking to summer's favorite destination: the swimming pool. 

Whether you're splashing around in your backyard or jumping in a public pool, here are a few tips for keeping safe in the water. 

1. If you're going to a public pool, make sure that your child has previous experience in the water. The last thing you want to do is throw an inexperienced swimmer into a public pool filled with a group of other children.
2. Whether in your backyard's private pool or a public pool, make sure your child is always within arm’s reach. This is especially important if your child cannot swim. A good rule is that if you need to take more than one step to touch them, you’re too far away.
3. At a public pool, make sure you review all of the rules with your child before entering. Any pool that is staffed with lifeguards has a working system to keep everyone safe. Obeying those rules is the first step to staying safe. 
4. Inexperienced swimmers should have flotation devices and use them properly. Put the flotation devices on your children yourself. If a child puts a flotation device on a leg or lower extremity, it could flip them in the water and result in serious injury. 
5. If you have a private pool, you and any family member who is old enough to learn should become certified in CPR.  In the event of a near-drowning, the certification can mean the difference between life and death. Check out the website for the American Red Cross for more information on obtaining certification locally. 
6. Explain to your children the dangers of both shallow and deep water. Keep children from diving into the shallow end and from wandering into the deep end.
7. Make sure diving boards, slides, water toys are used properly. Never let someone jump repeatedly on the diving board or go down the slide head first. Always make sure the areas beneath the diving boards and slides are clear.
8. Insert a pool alarm if you are concerned about children getting into the water when you’re not there. 
9. Explain the dangers of pool drains to your children. Pool drains often have suction strong enough to hold someone down, and children frequently like to swim at the bottom and play with the drain. 
10. Obey lifeguard warnings and avoid running at a public pool. 

Isaac Saul is a Patch contributor and certified lifeguard.