Going to the pool is the highlight of summer. In the humid heat, laying poolside or taking a refreshing dip in the cool water creates the perfect relaxing atmosphere. Keeping safe may be in the back of your mind, but it is important to take precautions to prevent your sweet summer vibes from turning sour. Here are some tips and tricks by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that will make sure your pool stays safe!

Enroll Children Into Swim Lessons

From poolsafely.gov, “Organizations such as the American Red Cross, USA Swimming Foundation, and YMCA offer classes in hundreds of communities across the country for a small fee or for free.” Help develop swimming skills to prevent accidents.
 

Even if kids do know how to swim, never leave kids unattended.

Supervise any activity in or around water. Make sure any other adults who are supervising your kids know the rules around your pool. If you are at a public or community pool, make sure that the lifeguard is on duty and ready to assist in case any situations arise.

Prevent kids from getting into the pool area.

Have a fence, door alarm, and other necessary precautions to take the first steps toward prevention. Children still may be able to climb the fence, so teach them not to go near the pool without permission.

Know CPR

If an accident does occur, you are the first line of defense. Knowing how to perform CPR can save lives. In addition, you may want to get certified in First Aid for any other injuries that can occur around the pool area.

Have the tools

Do you have Coast Guard approved life jackets at your pool for children who can’t swim? What about the correct gear to test your pool chemicals? According to the American Red Cross, having these things can save lives.

Know the facts

Did you know that boys are twice as likely to drown than girls? Or that most nonfatal drowning injuries occur in children younger than 5? Understanding facts like these remind you the importance of watching your kids at the pool.

Remember that the pool doesn’t have to be scary...have fun!

The pool is an enjoyable place, and swimming can be a great way to relax and to have fun during the summer. Practicing disciplined pool safety helps the fun continue. Take the pledge at poolsafely.gov to commit to keeping pool safety standards an emphasized part of your pool community.