Summer is here, and the kids love nothing more than splashing in the pool and having water fights. Understandably, the issue of swimming pool safety can be a little fraught. If you are toying with the idea of purchasing an overground pool this summer, for your family, but you are worried about the potential safety hazards associated with such a purchase, then you need not look any further. This guide will give you the lowdown on children and swimming pool safety.

Let’s be honest, swimming pools are awesome. It is not only the kids who love nothing more than splashing around in the pool; us adults love to, too! Swimming pool safety is important, but having fun is the name of the game. While many of us dream of having a luxurious swimming pool, built into an annex of our homes, it is not always financially viable to do so. By investing in a fantastic above-ground pool, you are getting the best of both worlds.

Swimming pool safety is usually at the forefront of every parent’s mind when they are looking at investing in a new pool for their kids. Safety should come first, but if you establish ground rules with your kids, and with your significant other, everyone can enjoy splashing around in a safe way.

Pool Safety 101

Always ensure that an adult is supervising proceedings. When your kids are in the pool, they are bound to be more than a little excitable. Ensure that you supervise their pool time to guarantee everyone is having fun, in a safe way. In the unlikely event that there is an emergency, you are on hand to make sure that everyone is ok.

Invest in a Guard or Net

Above-ground pools are generally safer for those with children, as children cannot slip and fall into the water. Above-ground pools are raised above the ground, and as such, this means that accidental trips and falls are prevented. However, if you are concerned about pool safety when the swimming pool is not in use, then you invest in guards, covers, or nets, to ensure that the pool is covered when it is not used. This will prevent children from trying to access the pool when there is no adult present.

Establish Pool Rules

While establishing rules may seem to be sucking the fun out of the awesome new pool, it is imperative that you do so to guarantee the safety of all involved. Sit down with your kids and explain the dangers of drowning, so that they are aware of why they need to follow protocols when swimming. You can establish a set of rules that they must stick to. This could be that they have to have a swimming buddy and that they can only go in the pool in pairs. You could request that your children use flotation devices or simply state that they cannot ‘dunk’ their friends underwater to ensure that the safety of everyone is upheld.

What are some common swimming pool hazards for kids?

As a parent, you want your children to be safe and have fun while they’re playing in the pool. But swimming pools can contain all sorts of hazards, from sharp objects that may be underwater and in the sand around the pool to slippery surfaces near the slide or diving board. It’s important for parents to know how to protect their kids by making sure their swimmers know how to tread water, float, and stay within their depth limits. Parents should also educate their kids not to run in or near the pool which can cause slips and falls as well as teach them about water chemistry, sun safety and pool rules. With a bit of parenting guidance, swimming pool visits can still be enjoyable for all involved!

What should you do if you see a child in trouble in a pool?

As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to do if you spot a child in trouble whilst swimming. In order to remain safe, the best course of action is to call for help immediately. If there is a lifeguard on duty at the pool or nearby beaches, inform them right away of the situation so they can assess and act accordingly. You can also alert other parents and adults that may be present in the area. If no other trained personnel are available, it’s important to try and stay calm and assess the scene before jumping into action. Life-saving techniques such as CPR should not be attempted unless you’ve been trained to do so – responding appropriately could make all the difference in an emergency situation like this one.

Indulging in a spot of swimming can be fun, but you need to ensure that safety comes first.