Swimming Safety Tips
Swimming is fun for the whole family. It can also be extremely dangerous. To minimize danger near pools, whether at home or at the local public pool, here are a few water safety tips to keep in mind.
- Always have a “swim buddy” – When not swimming under a coach’s supervision, swimmers should ALWAYS partner up with a friend while in the water. That way, if anything was to go wrong, someone is on hand to go for help. This is a key swimming safety rule for both children and adults.
- Use the “touch” rule for children under the age of 5 – When parents are observing very young children at a pool, keep them within arms length. If you can touch your child without having to rush to them, you are close enough that a quick reaction on your part can avoid any possible trouble.
- Follow posted pool safety rules – Always follow the safety rules posted at pools. Simple rules like “no running” or “no diving in shallow end” might seem common sense but they should be kept in mind at all times when you’re around a pool. If you have a pool at home, you should post safety rules so that when you have visitors, they know what to expect.
- Know your limits – We all like to think that we’re great swimmers. However, sometimes we aren’t as good as we think we are or we’re more tired than we know. It’s admirable to push yourself at any physical activity but knowing when to take a break is essential.
- Learn safety skills – When you’re near water, help isn’t always close at hand. Learning a few basic safety skills such as CPR and water rescue techniques can often save a life. Many swimming schools teach these life-saving skills. You can also check with your local Red Cross or YMCA for more information.
- Lock up the pool area when you leave – Whether you’re at home or at a public pool, you should always lock up the pool area if you’re the last person to leave. Close any fences or doors and make sure they’re locked in a fashion that little hands can’t open them again. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra lock higher on doors to your pool area so that the little ones can’t reach the lock and get themselves into a potentially dangerous situation.
Following a few simple swimming safety tips will help to keep your pool a safe and fun place for your entire family.