Now that some water parks and public pools are opening back up, it is crucial to be aware of proper child pool safety for this summer. Knowing what precautions to take before your children enter any body of water will decrease any potential drownings. With family gatherings beginning to come back after not enjoying 2020’s summer due to the lockdown, here are a few pool safety rules to keep in mind:
According to Dr. Mohamed Zebda, Pediatrician at Community Health Network, “the best thing to help avoid drownings is prevention. A good prevention plan is a smart way to ensure your loved ones are safe this summer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a rule called The Rule of Fours.”
Rule of Four consists of:
- A 4-foot fence placed around the specified pool
- Constant supervision of children
- Start swimming lessons
- Become respond ready with CPR
These precautions give safety to our loved ones and peace of mind. These tips for preventing drownings in pools can be as simple as having an adult observing children while in the pool. Not many adults are aware that 1-2 inches of water are more than sufficient for a child to drown, which makes supervising children in bodies of water that much more critical. For example, suppose you happen to be at a public pool with your family. In that case, you can designate a 15-minute shift with one another on pool watch. Focus on the whole area of the pool during these shifts. Do not get distracted by conversations that impair your focus, being on your cell phone or tablet, etc. Some other pool safety tips could also be:
- Blow-up toys for water or rafts flotation devices are not appropriate substitutes for a properly fitting life jacket.
- Young and older kids should wear a life jacket, especially if you're out on a boat or at the beach.
- In case of a near-drowning or if a child is unresponsive, it is essential to start CPR right away.
It is good to take precautions with any pool or body of water, but one thing to keep in mind is that pool safety does not stop at the pool. This can mean anything indoors, such as the bathroom, bathtubs, sinks, etc., should also be in a parent’s mind. You can babyproof or safety proof the house so toddlers cannot open doors or breach spaces within a home that can bring potential harm to a child.
Pool safety is an important aspect to look out for, especially with young children involved. It is summer now, and kids will want to be outdoors and socialize, so being prepared with some pool safety tips is good to know. Have fun and stay safe this summer with these pool safety tips.
