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.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Texas Swim Academy is a state-of-the-art swimming facility offering water safety, survival swim, and kids swimming lessons in Katy, Texas. Owners Kathleen and Bruce McMordie, alongside our certified staff, help parents introduce children to water at an early age through the Infant Survival Swim Program , teaching life-saving techniques and basic swimming skills.

Our Stroke Development Program offers six different levels to help students progress in their swimming skills at his or her own pace. Our Adaptive Aquatics Program was created specifically for children with special abilities. Find swimming class registration information here. By subscribing to Texas Swim Academy’s blog , you can stay current on valuable water safety resources such as survival swim, health and wellness, Texas Swim Academy news and more. Follow our Facebook , Twitter, and YouTube pages for even more news, updates, and tips!