An image of a kid with goggles in the pool.

Pool Safety

Apr 5, 2021

An image of a kid with goggles in the pool.

May will be the beginning of prime pool season as well as National Water Safety Month. To prepare ahead of time before neighborhood pools open or before you take the cover off of the pool in your backyard, check out these safety tips to keep everyone’s swimming experience stress-free. 

Set Up Barriers

Physical barriers such as walls or fences are a great preventative measure to take for personal pools. This is especially necessary for families with little ones that may stray into the backyard from time to time. Fences around pools should be at least 4 feet high. 

Secure Doors and Gates

Another way to keep little ones from getting into the pool unsupervised is to add child-proof doorknob covers to doors that lead outside. There are also gate alarms that can be installed to alert you when a child breaks through. 

Never Swim Alone

Use the buddy system when swimming. Meet up with a friend at the neighborhood pool or arrange a playdate and lunch. This way, you can look out for one another and have more fun at the same time. You can rely on someone to be there should anything go wrong. 

Enter the Water with Feet First

Diving or jumping head first into water, especially shallow water, could result in severe injuries. Most neighborhood pools have a rule against diving anyway, but stay on the safe side and understand the proper ways to enter and exit a pool. 

Stay Away from Drains

Swimming or playing near a pool drain can cause hair or swimsuits to get stuck and even injuries. If a drain is missing a cover or appears broken, report it immediately to the appropriate parties. 

Walk, Don’t Run

You’ll typically see signs with this at public pools, but always remember to walk around a pool area. Running can cause serious injuries if a fall occurs. Teach this to little ones as well. 

Clean Up

When you get to the pool or if you are the last one to leave and notice toys left in the water, pick them up and place them in a nearby basket or “lost and found” area. Toys floating in the water could tempt a child to jump in after them. 

Don’t swim in fear this summer, but rather have measures in place to ensure you, your family and friends are able to enjoy a refreshing swim with no worries.