Summertime is synonymous with poolside fun and splashing in the water. As families gather at pools to beat the heat, it’s crucial to prioritize water safety to ensure a memorable and accident-free summer. At Total Point Urgent Care, our primary concern is your well-being. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of essential water safety tips to keep your family safe and protected while enjoying the pool this summer.
Actively Supervise:
Always assign a responsible adult to actively supervise children in and around the pool. Keep your eyes on the water at all times, avoiding distractions like phones or books. Remember, it only takes a few seconds for a child to get into trouble. It’s never worth the risk to divert your attention, even for a few seconds.
Teach Basic Swimming Skills:
Enroll your children in swimming lessons to equip them with essential water skills. Learning to swim not only builds confidence but also helps prevent potential accidents. Encourage regular practice to ensure that all family members are comfortable in the water.
Establish Pool Rules:
Establish clear and age-appropriate pool rules for your family. Teach children to walk instead of run near the pool area to avoid slipping and falling. Prohibit diving in shallow areas and enforce the rule of no swimming without adult supervision.
Fence and Secure the Pool Area:
Install a four-sided fence around your pool with a self-latching gate. This creates a physical barrier between young children and the water, reducing the risk of accidental drowning. Additionally, keep pool toys and other tempting items stowed away so as not to lure children toward the water.
Life Jackets and Flotation Devices:
For younger children and inexperienced swimmers, always use an approved life jacket or flotation device. These should be worn around water, even if the child knows how to swim. Remember, water conditions can change, and unexpected situations may arise.
Sun Protection:
While enjoying the pool, protect your family from the harmful effects of the sun. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF regularly, wear broad-brimmed hats, and use UV-protective sunglasses. Seeking shade during the peak hours of sun intensity (usually between 10 am and 4 pm) can also minimize the risk of sunburn.
Learn CPR:
Knowledge of CPR can be a lifesaver in the event of a pool-related emergency. Consider taking a CPR course offered by certified organizations to ensure you are prepared to respond effectively during critical situations. Remember, every second counts in an emergency. If you need a refresher, this FREE downloadable CPR guide has information for assisting both adults and children.
Stay Hydrated:
All that fun in the sun can quickly lead to dehydration. Encourage your family members to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Pack a cooler with cold water (not soda) to make it easily accessible for everyone. It’s always important to stay hydrated—it’s doubly important when it’s hot out.
Avoid Alcohol:
While it may be tempting to enjoy a refreshing drink by the pool, it’s important to avoid alcohol consumption when supervising children or swimming. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents or drowning. Save the drinks for later when you’re out of the water and in a safe environment.
Total Point Urgent Care wants your family to have a safe and joyful summer by the pool. By implementing these water safety tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents without taking away any of the fun. Remember to actively supervise children, teach swimming skills, establish pool rules, secure the pool area, and be mindful of sun protection and hydration. By following these guidelines, you can create lasting memories while keeping your loved ones safe. Have a fantastic summer!
P.S.
Enjoy this FREE Downloadable CPR Guide! Print it out and hang it up near your pool for extra summer safety!
