Tips for keeping children safe in a swimming pool

It is really cool for the whole family to take a dip in the nearest swimming pool. But, if you have small kids in your family, you have to take a few safety precautions to ensure that kids can enjoy swimming. Parents should keep a close vigil when kids are swimming. Adults should engage fully when kids are in the swimming pool. A small child can drown in as little as one inch of water. Many people believe that they will hear a splashing sound or cry for help, but many times there is no sound at all. Here, some tips are given here for keeping children safe in a swimming pool:

• There should be fencing all around the pool for protection. Four-Sided fencing around the pool will help to prevent the drowning of children. It should be at least four feet high. The fencing should have a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• The area around the pool should be cleaned immediately after each use. If there are any floating toys in the water, remove them immediately. Such toys can attract the attention of children and a child may reach to grab it and can fall in unexpectedly.
• Children should be strictly told to follow the rules posted at public pools. Pool decks can be wet and slippery. Many kids feel excited near the pool. Therefore, they should not be allowed to run in any situation. They should walk gently and carefully. Children should be instructed to obey “no diving” rules in designated areas. The water could be too shallow for diving.
• Children should be allowed to enter the pool only if they have prior swimming knowledge. Send your child for swimming lessons. Kids can start swim lessons at around four years old. Even if the child knows swimming, very young children should be within arm’s length. Never leave the children alone in the pool to answer the phone.
• Safety equipment should be available in a visible spot nearby for easy access if required. If you are in a larger pool, a rescue pole or “life hooks” is also a good thing to have on hand.
• If you are not using the pool, cover it with a rigid safety cover. Even during the swimming season, it is better to keep the pool covered when not in use. The cover should fit securely over the pool’s entire surface.
• If your child is swimming in an inflatable pool, you should empty it after each use. Never think that your child cannot drown in a blow-up pool. Never leave an inflatable pool full of water. Small kids do not have the upper body strength to lift them and can drown easily by slipping over the soft side of a blow-up pool.
• Never rely on floaters, water wings, inner tubes or noodles. You should only use flotation devices labeled “Coast Guard approved”.

Drowning is always preventable. Whenever you take your child near the pool or in the pool, you should be able to reach out to your child.