Understanding Pool Safety Tips Makes for A Better Swimming Experience

While everyone enjoys spending some time in the pool, safety is an important part of ensuring everyone has a good time. Whether you are visiting a public pool or you have your own pool in the backyard, it is crucial that you follow all safety guidelines when swimming. This is especially true when taking children swimming. We encourage you to look over these pool safety rules before heading for the water.

Always Keep An Eye On Children

The first pool safety rule to remember is one of the most important – always keep an eye on children. If you take your children to a pool or let kids swim in your own pool, someone must monitor them at all times. Make sure there is always one responsible adult who is in charge of watching over the little swimmers.

Actively monitoring children in the pool is one of the most important guidelines to follow in swim safety. Children and teens should never be left to swim alone, no matter their level of swimming abilities. While many of us tend to check our phones often, it is important to remember that little ones can drown in the short time it takes to answer a phone call or send a text message. Always have a responsible adult present, with their full attention set on supervising little swimmers.

Do Not Run Near the Pool

Accidents not only occur inside the pool, but many times outside, as well. The surface around the pool often becomes slippery due to splashing water. To prevent injuries and accidents, avoid running across this slippery surface, and if possible, wear rubber soled sandals/flip flops when not inside the pool.

Never Swim Alone

As surprising as it may seem, no one should ever swim alone. Heat stroke, fatigue, cramping and blackout can happen to anyone, no matter their age and swimming ability. It’s important to have someone with you who can assist in getting you to safety and call for help, if necessary. Buddy systems are especially important if one plans to exert him/herself in swimming exercises.

No Breath-Holding Games

Many kids do it, but few realize how dangerous these games can be. Shallow Water Blackout (SWB) has received a lot of media attention over the last few years in response to drowning accidents associated with breath holding. The blackout is often brought on by holding one’s breath for extended times, which can often result in death if the swimmer is not removed from the water quickly. Oftentimes, others don’t notice that the swimmer has blacked out until it’s too late. For more information on the risks of SWB and pool safety precautions, visit the Shallow Water Blackout Prevention website.

Pay Attention to No Diving Signs

Not all pools are deep enough to allow diving. Most public pools indicate where diving is allowed, however, this is not always the case with private pools. Homeowners should  become aware, if not already, of the exact areas in their pools that allow for diving, if any. Lastly, here’s an important reminder for those pool owners with diving boards — take caution not to slip and remind little ones the importance of waiting their turn.

Lifeguards and CPR

When swimming in a public pool, find out if a lifeguard is on duty. They should be instructed in how to perform CPR in the event that someone swallows water or starts to drown. For home pools or when swimming at a pool without a lifeguard, it is a good idea to make sure that one of the adults in your group knows how to perform CPR.

If you plan on taking your family to a public pool, ensure there will be a certified lifeguard on duty, with current CPR certification. Pool owners, parents, and caregivers should always stay current on CPR training and methods. It is a life-saving skill to have!

The safety of you and your family is so important. By following these few simple, but important, guidelines, you can ensure a safer time in the water.

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer. 

Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.

Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy. 

Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.