Pool Safety for Kids

Summer is just around the corner and besides shocking the pool with chemicals and airing up the rafts and floaties, families need to review water safety before diving in. There are several things you can do to ensure the safety of your children this summer.

Parents or caretakers need to be sure to supervise their children at all times around bodies of water, even the bathtub. A child can drown in 2 inches of water. Never leave a child unattended around any water source. It is also a good idea for parents to be trained in CPR and first aid, should the need arise. This would be helpful for times when rescue personnel are en route as well as in other household emergency situations.

Even if your children are at a public pool with a lifeguard, you are not free of your supervision duties. You should still keep a watchful eye on your child and make sure you can get to them quickly. This is especially true for smaller children who can't quite touch bottom. If you are expecting some relaxation time of your own, take your spouse or a friend with you to take turns watching the kids.

For backyard pools, use alarms and fencing to keep barriers between your child and the water. Fences should be five foot or taller and have openings less than four inches wide, with gates that close on their own and latches. Pool nets also work well on keeping the kids out of the water when you are not around. There are varieties of fencing options on the market today including wrought iron and mesh varieties.

Mesh fencing has panels in an assortment of colors that can be made to match your home's exterior paint color. If you so desire, these panels can be taken off for entertaining purposes but it is recommended not to remove it. This type of fencing cannot be climbed, whereas standard fencing has footholds for little Olympians in your family. Net covers are effective when they are used with a pool fence. These are constructed in a way that will allow arms and legs to slip through the squares but will keep the child above water.

The best defense against pool accidents is knowing how to swim. Get your child enrolled in swim lessons early on. Your local YMCA or recreation center most likely offers programs according to age and ability. These classes are taught by trained, certified instructors. It is a good idea to get your kids exposed to different water environments such as a backyard pool, public pool, recreation center pool, maybe even the beach. Work on getting your child's strokes streamlined so that he or she adapts in different situations.

Here are some final safety tips for parents to consider:

Never leave your child alone near water. Use approved floatation devices and inspect pool fences and gates. Have your cell phone handy in case of an emergency. As soon as your child turns 3, enroll in swim lessons.

Kids should be reminded to always swim with a buddy and not to dive into bodies of water they do not know about. Jumps should be made feet first to avoid head injuries. Jumping or pushing others around water is dangerous. Teach your kids not to swim where "No Swimming" signs are posted.

With common sense, watchful parents, and some swim ability, enjoying the pool this summer can be a blast!