Taking your little one to a pool can result in a day filled with fun and games. Although most pools at hotels or recreation centres are generally manned by lifeguards and cleaned regularly, it doesn’t mean you should let your guard down against any potential dangers that may be lurking in this otherwise happy atmosphere. Here are some good pool safety tips to keep your child out of harm’s way:
Make sure the pool is clear and clean, if you can’t see all the way to the bottom of the pool, consider frequenting another facility.
Make sure you are familiar with the layout of the swimming pool, know where it starts to get deeper and where any steps may be.
Watch your own children; don’t let the fact that there are lifeguards on duty lull you into a false sense of security.
Encourage your tot not to swallow any of the pool water, it can have nasty bacteria, which might cause an upset tummy.
Remember to kit your baby out with special swimming pants, like Huggies® Little Swimmers to prevent any accidents leaking into the water.
Apply sunscreen regularly if the pool is outside; your baby’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than yours so reapply sunscreen at regular intervals.
Ensure that all drains have covers on them to promote child safety but, even if they have safety covers, tell your child to stay away from these drains since they will probably not be very clean.
Take a CPR course, like Family and Friends First Aid for Children – as offered by St.John’s Ambulance. You may never need to use it but, just in case, you will have peace of mind that you know the techniques necessary to react in a crisis.
You and your child should also follow any rules that the pool has posted and any instructions from the lifeguard on duty. By following the rules and using a little common sense, public pools can be fun water playgrounds for the family.
