The Top Four Safety Tips for Backyard Pools
The Summer Months Are Upon Us
If you're anything like us, nothing screams summer like the sound of children laughing, parents talking, and the ambiance of a backyard barbecue. As everyone sits down to eat the delicious meal, complete with baked beans, coleslaw, and homemade barbecue sauce, your friend begins telling the story of a child who drowned in a backyard pool. The summer sun is tainted with the story, and only one question is on everyone's minds...what is the most important safety tip for backyard pools?
Tip 1: Keep Tripping Hazards Off Deck
The hose that fills up the pool, toys forgotten to be picked up, and shoes at the edge of the steps, all of these are tripping and falling hazards for little ones. Making sure to pick up anything that can cause a running toddler to trip and fall into the pool is one of the number one tips for ensuring safety and fun at your backyard pool.
Tip 2: Don't Use Floaties
Yes, even if your child looks absolutely adorable wearing them. While the air-inflated wings may seem harmless, they are actually the exact opposite. The devices not only position children upright in the water, a hard habit to break when they are older, but also provide a sense of "safety" and "security" to parents, which could lead to less attention and supervision. Rather than using floatation devices and water wings to keep your child "safe" in the water, sign them up for private swim lessons and make sure to supervise children at all times.
Tip 3: Make Sure Kids Know Where to Find the Wall
Another primary safety concern is making sure children know to turn around and grab the wall should they slip and fall. This safety maneuver is one of the first things we teach our swimmers during our lessons before we begin any type of stroke work. Should a child fall into the water, it is crucial that they don't panic and are able to find the wall and grab onto it. Teaching this can be tricky if you choose to do it yourself...and you'll have to endure a lot of screaming and protesting. For this particular safety tip, it's best to leave it up to trained instructors.
Tip 4: Try Out Backyard Swim Lessons
Lastly, try out backyard swim lessons! They make life easier for you by having absolutely no added transportation time. Still, they also ensure that your child can get unlimited space to swim and be hyper-focused, as there are no external distractions. Plus, you don't even have to pack snacks; after the lesson, all you have to do is walk to your kitchen! Backyard swim lessons ensure that you get the most out of your private swim lessons and that your child is safe around your backyard pool.
Don't Let Lack of Safety Spoil the Summer
Summertime is all about the backyard barbecues, picnics, and grilling outside with friends and family. To make the most of the warmest months of the year, remember to stay safe and smart with children in the pool. If you're interested in ensuring your child's safety in the water, but still want to make it a fun experience, contact Kat Ivey or Lauren Worden at Worden Aquatics to schedule a private swim lesson at your backyard or neighborhood pool! 615-241-1179 or info@wordenaquatics.com.