Swimming Pool Chemicals
With summertime officially upon us, it’s that time of year for pool safety tips. Whether taking the kids to a public pool or swimming at home, it’s important to sit the kiddos down for brief talk about safety and go over rules before heading to the pool. If you’re swimming at home, you may also want to post the “Family Pool Rules” in a visible place where the kids can always seem them.
Safety Tips:
- Keep your eyes on the kids at all times. It only takes a second for an accident to happen.
- When you walk into an unfamiliar pool, make special note of the rescue devices, including pole, life preserver and rope.
- Tell less experienced swimmers to stay in the shallower end of the pool, not letting the water rise above chest level.
- Try to avoid hot tubs and spas, as they are danger zones for children who can overheat easily.
- Don’t let the children eat or chew gum while they’re swimming — they can choke.
- Don’t allow children to stick their fingers or toes into any grates, drains, filters or other suction devices.
- If you get a phone call while you’re watching the kids swim, only answer if you must and keep it very brief so you don’t get distracted.
- If you have to leave the pool area (to run to the restroom, for example), make sure they kids get out of and stay out of the water.
- Keep a print-out of CPR instructions and emergency numbers with you when you’re at the pool.
- If you’re babysitting for a family with a pool, take all of the pool toys out of the water when the kids are done swimming. Toys attract attention, and kids don’t always stop to think before reaching for something.
- If the pool is fenced in or gated, don’t leave furniture or other objects close to the fence that would enable the kids to climb over the barrier.
Emergency Procedures:
- If you notice a child missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in these situations!
- Immediately alert the lifeguard so he can use his training during a rescue. If there’s no lifeguard around, get the child out of the pool yourself.
- Make sure your cell phone is near you at all times in case you need to grab it in a hurry.
- Refresh your memory on CPR – and take a class if you haven’t already.
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