Summer is all about refreshing ice cream treats, adventures with family and friends, and forgetting all about school for the next few weeks. It also means finding fun ways to keep cool in the heat, so naturally, paddling pools, sprinklers and poolside fun is certainly on every child's summer schedule.
Water fun isn’t just a way to keep cool in the intense summer heat, it’s also a great way to exercise and spend quality time with friends and family. However, water can also pose a huge risk to unsupervised children of all ages. A lack of pool safety and responsibility around water is one of the leading causes of child deaths in the USA today, and the most tragic reality about these statistics is that drowning is something that can easily be prevented.
If your child has been in a pool accident and you weren’t at fault, reach out to a PI lawyer from Greenville SC today.
You might think that you know all there is to know about kids and pool safety, but it’s always a good idea to keep your knowledge fresh and keep the following pool safety tips in mind.
Barricade the pool
We all know that little ones can get themselves into all kinds of mischief when we turn our backs for a second. But the idea of them falling into your pool, struggling to get out and subsequently drowning, all while you’re inside – it’s every parent’s worst nightmare. If the pool isn’t in use, then it needs to be barricaded, adequately covered and locked - a pool alarm is also a good idea. That way no one can enter the pool or gain access to the area without your knowledge.
Teach them to swim
Swimming is a valuable life lesson all children should know. If they’re able to swim, then they have a better chance of surviving a pool accident and getting themselves out of trouble.
Be wary of the water toy area
If you’re in a public pool that has an area dedicated to water spouts, buckets and sprinklers, then you should still exercise caution. These areas are often incredibly slippery and the water may not be the best quality. Always encourage your child to walk, not run and don’t drink the water. Remember a child can drown in just a few inches of water.
Be wary of filters
Actively encourage your child to play and swim away from filters and drains in the pool. Swimmers who get their shorts or even their hair caught in these contraptions can be potentially held underwater and be unable to surface.
And finally, don’t get distracted
Of course, parents want to relax too. However, if your children are in the pool they should have your full attention. So, don't read a book, don't play cards or scroll social media - always give your children your full attention. If you need to use the bathroom, ask another responsible adult to watch your children until you return.
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