When it comes to ensuring the safety of children at the pool, there’s no better source of advice than a seasoned lifeguard. I spoke with my friend Liam, who has been a lifeguard at a community pool for over five years. He experienced a “rescue” last summer—a term lifeguards use when they intervene to save a life.
On a sweltering 90-degree day, amidst a throng of swimmers, Liam spotted a child floating face down. In a matter of seconds, his extensive training kicked in. He signaled to fellow lifeguards and leapt into action, pulling the child to safety. Fortunately, the child was unharmed, but Liam returned home reflecting on the many preventative measures that could have avoided that near-tragic incident.
I asked Liam for key insights on how parents can better protect their kids in and around water. His advice extended beyond the common pool safety tips we often hear:
- Lifeguards Aren’t Babysitters. Our primary role is to respond to emergencies, but we’re responsible for monitoring numerous children simultaneously.
- Use Sunscreen, Regardless of Weather. Ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds, leading to unexpected sunburns. Each year, I witness severe burns that catch people off guard.
- Understand Your Child’s Swimming Abilities. If lifeguards indicate your child isn’t ready for deeper water, it’s not a criticism. Many lifeguards also instruct swim lessons and can gauge when a swimmer is ready for more challenging depths. Encourage practice and consider additional swim classes.
- Respect Pool Rules. Lifeguards enforce safety regulations, not to spoil your fun, but to ensure everyone has a secure experience. When you argue with a lifeguard, it sends the wrong message to your children. Model respect for authority and the rules.
- Encourage Breaks. Kids can quickly tire out, which increases their risk in the water. Allow them time to rest before returning to the pool.
- Walking is Crucial. You may wonder why lifeguards repeatedly instruct patrons to “Walk!”—it’s because slippery surfaces have caused many injuries from falls.
- Discuss Safety Before Arriving at the Pool. Talk to your kids about the importance of pool safety, the designated areas, and the necessity to listen to lifeguards. Clear expectations reduce the chance of accidents.
- Keep Track of Your Child. Remind them to inform you about their location within the pool area.
- Supervise Constantly. The best way to ensure your child’s safety is to maintain a watchful eye. Avoid distractions like books, phones, or food runs. We’ve seen children inadvertently get into trouble, such as climbing slides that end in deep water.
I remember my own childhood pool days, thinking lifeguards relished yelling “Walk!” just for fun. It wasn’t until I became friends with a lifeguard that I understood the serious reasons behind it—children can get hurt or even drown.
Water can be a source of joy, but it can quickly turn dangerous without the proper precautions. This responsibility extends to adults as well; if you can’t swim well, don’t venture into deep waters.
Additionally, many parents ask why water wings aren’t allowed. These flotation devices can give children a false sense of security in deeper water, leading to complacency. Inflatable arm floaties can slip off or deflate, failing to provide the safety they promise.
The most effective way to keep your children safe is through vigilant supervision. Even though lifeguards like Liam are watching, they’re responsible for everyone. As you rely on them for emergency support, they depend on you to keep an eye on your kids. So, no reading, no phones, and no naps.
Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in children aged 5 to 24—a sobering statistic that highlights the importance of safety. Together with lifeguards, we can create a safer environment for our children, ensuring they enjoy the water while being protected.
For more information on home insemination options, including our at-home intracervical insemination syringe kit, check out this resource. Additionally, if you’re interested in understanding skin conditions related to water safety, visit this authority site. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination success rates, WebMD is an excellent resource.
Summary
Ensuring pool safety for children goes beyond basic advice. Lifeguards emphasize supervision, understanding swimming skills, and adhering to pool rules to prevent accidents. Awareness and communication are essential to keep kids safe in the water.