Pools can be so much fun! Swimming, watching as children laugh and splash around, and relaxing in the water after a hot day of work are incomparable summer delights. Here are a few recommendations to get the most out of your pool.
Pools can be so much fun! Swimming, watching as children laugh and splash around, and relaxing in the water after a hot day of work are incomparable summer delights. Here are a few recommendations to get the most out of your pool.
No adult = no swimming
Children should never be left unsupervised in and around the pool. There should always be an adult watching. To ensure the attention of the supervising adult remains on the children, a cordless or mobile phone should be kept handy: it can be answered without having to stop monitoring the pool area and it can be used to quickly call for help if there’s an emergency.
Even adults should avoid swimming alone. Someone should be available to provide assistance if an accident happens.
Mandatory safe behaviour
Children, teens and adults should all obey water safety rules. It’s a good idea to post these rules at the pool entrance and make sure everyone is aware of them:
- No running around the pool
- No pushing or shoving allowed
- No underwater breath-holding games
- All floating toys taken out of the water and stored once swimming is over
- Only plastic glasses allowed
- No diving head-first into the pool
To attract children’s attention, consider using drawings or pictograms for each safety rule.
Handy rescue equipment
The following equipment should always be within easy reach so you’ll be ready in the event of an emergency:
- Buoy or floating object attached to a rope
- Pole
- Life jacket
- First aid kit
- Telephone with emergency numbers
Make sure the supervising adult knows how to use the rescue equipment. Ideally, they should also be familiar with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) techniques.
