If there’s one season known for fun, it’s summer. The long days and warm weather allow you to spend more time outdoors with friends and family. For a lot of people, summer also means spending more time by the swimming pool. While everyone enjoys having a fun day by the pool, it’s important to take some safety precautions, especially when swimming with younger children. Read on for safety tips to help keep your children safe around the pool this summer.
Take swimming lessons
If you want to teach children how to swim, consider enrolling them in a swimming class. These classes can usually be found at local community centers or YMCAs. It’s important for everyone to learn how to swim, even if they don’t go swimming all that often. Children of all ages can learn to swim, and instructors will know the best teaching methods. Contact the swimming lesson providers in your area to see what type of classes they offer.
Make sure your child avoids drains
Be sure your child knows to avoid the drains that are usually found at the bottom of swimming pools. It’s especially important to avoid getting into pools or spas with missing drain covers. The suction on these drains could easily catch your child’s swim trunks. Most pools feature an emergency shutoff for these drains. Make yourself aware of the emergency shutoff’s location before letting your child in the pool.
Don’t ever leave your child alone
Don’t leave your child alone in or near a swimming pool for any amount of time. This is true even if you’re just going inside to grab a drink or use the bathroom. Anything could happen in the blink of an eye, and you always want to be there to help your child. It’s also a good idea to have a phone nearby in case an emergency does occur.
Talk to your child
Make sure to go over all these pool safety tips with your child. They should understand the importance of proper pool safety, so it doesn’t seem like you’re just telling them what to do. It’s a good idea to talk with other parents about pool safety as well.
Take CPR classes
You never know when you might have to save someone from drowning. Properly prepare yourself for these situations by taking cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes. These classes are often offered through local hospitals. Community centers, universities and other local organizations may offer these classes as well.
Swim with a buddy
People of all ages should avoid swimming on their own. No matter how experienced you are as a swimmer, something could always go wrong. That said, if you insist on swimming on your own, be sure to take proper precautions. Ensure there’s a ladder attached to your aboveground pool, and keep several flotation devices nearby.
Swimming is one of the most fun things you might do this summer, though it’s important to properly prepare. Follow all the safety tips listed above and you’re sure to have a fun and safe summer. If you need maintenance or repairs on your pool, contact the experts at Arizona Pool & Pond Company today!