Knowing the basics of pool safety for kids is an extremely important tool to have--it can even save a child's life. Kidshealth.org states that drowning is the second most frequent cause of death for youngsters under age 14, and it can happen in as little as two minutes. According to Safekids.org, more than half of drownings happen during the summer when pool use is at its peak. Drowning is preventable if kids know how to stay safe in and around swimming pools and if adults take the proper precautions to protect them.
Solution
The first and most important element of pool safety is making sure all your children know how to swim. Kids can be taught at home. and formal classes are offered at many community pools and YMCA facilities. Kidshealth.org explains that most drownings involve children who accidentally fall into a pool. Such tragedies might be prevented if a child knows how to swim.
Time Frame
Kids should know the appropriate times to use a swimming pool. They should know to never swim when they are alone, says nurse Jennifer Foss. Young children should always swim under adult supervision and older children should always have a buddy present who can assist in case of an emergency. Kidssafety.org explains that this applies to any pool, even one at the child's own home.
Depth
Kids should know how to read the water depth at a pool, and they should be taught to never dive into shallow water, Kidshealth.org cautions. They should also be instructed on how to distinguish deep water and to be cautious around the deep end of a pool, especially if they have not yet learned to swim.
Running/Horseplay
Kids should have it drummed into them to never run around a swimming pool for two important reasons. First, pool decks can be wet and slippery, which kidshealth.org says can result in fall-related injuries. Second, the child could slip near the pool edge and fall into the water, leading to striking his head on the deck or edge or drowning if he hasn't yet learned to swim. Foss says that horseplay should also be discouraged in the pool area. Kids may think they are only goofing around, but this rough kind of play is a good way for someone to get injured.
Barriers
Swimming pools should have proper barriers to keep kids out. Kids should be taught never to enter a pool area when a gate is closed, particularly if there is no one around. Home pool gates should always be kept locked, especially when there are young children in the home. This prevents them from accidentally wandering into the area and slipping into the water before anyone realizes they are missing. Foss recommends a gate alarm as an additional safety measure, especially for homes with toddlers.
Warning
Kidshealth.org warns that plastic and foam float toys are not lifesaving devices. They may float, but they cannot be relied upon to protect a child from drowning. Kids should be taught to be cautious even when they are using rafts, rings and other toys that allow them to float in deep water. The only reliable protection is a Coast Guard-approved flotation device or life vest.
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