If you’re planning your family’s summer vacation or want to cool off as the temperatures start to rise, take a dip in your local public pool. These bustling places offer all kinds of fun in the water but could also be home to germs, bacteria, and other risks. To keep your kids safe at public pools, follow these safety tips.
1. Teach Your Kids Pool Rules
Establishing pool safety rules before heading to the pool can prevent accidents. Teach your children not to run near the pool, avoid pushing or dunking, and always stay within sight of a responsible adult.
There will also be lifeguards surrounding the area to protect little ones from danger. Point out where your children can find a lifeguard in case they need help in the water.
2. Stay Hydrated
Whether you’re going to an indoor or outdoor pool, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated when everyone’s busy having fun in the water. Some public pools allow you to bring reusable bottles so you can fill them with hydration drinks, water, or juice for your little ones. Pack plenty of drinks to keep you and your kids hydrated, especially on hot days.
Dehydration can sneak up quickly and lead to fatigue, headaches, or worse, heat exhaustion. Before your children have their day derailed by these side effects, equip them with their own reusable water bottles.
3. Make Use of Floatation Devices
Nonswimmers or younger children may benefit from wearing floatation aids like arm floaties, inner tubes, life vests, or pool noodles. These flotation devices offer extra buoyancy and reduce risks for children still learning how to swim. If your little ones need assistance as they wade in the water, strap on some flotation aids and direct them to the shallow end of the pool to keep your kids safe in public pools.
4. Encourage Frequent Breaks
Schedule breaks every hour to allow children to regroup, hydrate, and rest. Active environments such as public pools can easily exhaust your children beyond their physical limits. Encourage them to sit in the shade and reapply sunscreen to avoid sunburns on long pool days.
To prevent the kids from catching a cold, wrap them in a bathrobe when they leave the pool. Choose the perfect bathrobe for your kids so they can stay warm and dry during their breaks.
5. Protect Against Germs
Public pools can harbor germs that cause infections. Your must-have summer travel kit should include waterproof bandages to cover cuts or scrapes. Also, remind your little ones not to swallow pool water, and encourage them to take a shower before and after swimming. These small steps can keep everyone healthy.
While many public pools routinely sanitize the water, it’s always important to stay prepared for the unexpected. Rather than spending your family fun time treating a cold, enjoy more memorable days by your local pool by putting your children’s safety first.
