Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Lifeguard | July 28, 2017

Whether you are at a public or private pool, there are many things to keep in mind to keep children of all ages safe. Children under five and adolescents between the ages of 15-24 have the highest drowning rates.

Lifeguard on Duty
The most common swimming safety tip is to only swim when there is a lifeguard or responsible parent present. Accidents do happen from time-to-time and can be fatal. Be per-cautious and take the steps needed to ensure the safety of your child. Even the most experience swimmers can be overwhelmed or distracted by others. Using the buddy system is another great idea!
No Horseplay
You know how the lifeguard is usually saying, "No Running!" right? There is a reason for that! A lifeguard's job is to ensure the safety of the individuals at the pool. As adults, you know that running on slippery surfaces can be very dangerous. In addition to this, someone could accidentally fall into the pool, run into a smaller child, etc. All of these things can cause injury, so be sure to set guidelines when you are poolside.
Stay Near the Pool
We are all busy and have a list of things we need to get done, but it can wait. The risk of stepping away can result in serious consequences. Trust me, it's not worth it. If something is immediate, have everyone get out of the pool for a quick break.
One Word: Sunscreen
Who likes a sunburn? No one! Children may try to get away without sunscreen, but don't let them. Sunscreen is one of the most important items when swimming. It's best to choose a water-resistant sunscreen and it should be applied every 2-3 hours (or simply follow the instructions on the sunscreen). Applying sunscreen to your children can preemptively stop the pain and agony of a sunburn. There are even SPF Lip Balm and SPF Nose Balm to keep you safe.
Water Breaks
If you notice someone getting tired, weak, etc - call a water break! It's better to be safe than sorry. Swimming can be very tiresome, so it's important to call breaks when needed. Have them rehydrate with some water and rest a bit - then let the fun commence!

If you have a pool of your own, it's important to have these rules enforced as well as a first aid kits on hand. The Lifeguard Store can also equip you with your pool maintenance equipment such as rakes/skimmers, water test strips, pool vacuums, and much much more!