Photo credit: Pixabay
By: Guest Blogger Alex Robbins
Pool Safety is one of the most important topics that comes up each summer; how do we best protect our littles? Being in and around water is a common safety concern, but there’s a lot that we can do to minimize the risk (without losing any of the fun).
Protecting the Kids
The first thing to think about is how you can make sure your pool and the surrounding area is a safe environment.
- There are all kinds of fence styles you can choose from, but keep in mind that any fence you install will have to meet local guidelines to ensure safety.
- In addition to having a fence with a secure gate, other pool safety features to consider include alarms, a safety cover, and drain covers.
- At the start of each swim season, do a pool “checkup” to look for damage. Pool repairs average almost $600, but of course this varies depending on the type of repair that’s needed.
- Throughout the swim season, consult this maintenance checklist for keeping your pool clean.
Even when you’ve done these security and maintenance tasks, parents should also take extra steps to keep kids as safe as possible in the water.
- Create pool rules that the entire family and visitors follow, including designating a “water-watcher” so you never have to wonder who has an eye on the kids.
- You may even want to get a sign so that everyone who visits your pool knows the rules.
- All children should have swim lessons, starting as early as toddler or preschool age.
- If you haven’t been trained in CPR, you can easily search online to find classes where you live.
- Make sure you also know the signs of drowning.
Heat & Sun Safety
When it comes to pool-related risks, the main concern is typically the risk of drowning. However, there are additional resources for things like sun safety.
- Ask the Expert: Does a High SPF Protect My Skin Better?
- Sunscreen and Sun Protection for Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know
- How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Kids
Perhaps the hardest thing about being a parent is acknowledging that life comes with risks. We can’t keep our kids in a bubble, and who would want to? Worrying may be one of the hard parts of parenting, but having fun with our kids is one of the amazing parts! There’s no such thing as eliminating risk, but with these tips and resources, you’ll be prepared for a fun summer of swimming that’s also as safe as possible.
Being a parent is amazing, but let’s be honest – there are times when it can be pretty overwhelming, too. We want our kids to be healthy and safe. Worry is an emotion that comes with the territory, and then there’s the mom guilt that so many of us battle. Banishing the guilt and keeping worry at bay are daily challenges that all parents experience. This is an ongoing struggle for sure, but thankfully, there are tons of resources that help answer our toughest parenting questions.
Thanks for reading this guest post! I hope everyone has a wonderful & safe Memorial Weekend!
XO,
Lindsay
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