As temperatures rise, many families turn to pools to beat the summer heat. While swimming can be a fun and healthy activity, it is also notoriously risky—especially for children.
Teaching your kids about pool safety can help prevent injuries, accidents and even tragic drownings. With just a little preparation and consistent guidance, parents can help to make sure that their children stay safe while enjoying time in and around the water.
Where to begin
Start by making safety rules clear before your child ever steps into the pool. Explain why running on slick surfaces is dangerous, why diving should only happen in the deep end and why swimming alone is never okay. These simple lessons can save lives and help children understand that pools are not just for fun—they require responsibility.
One of the most important safety measures you can employ is adult supervision. Never assume that floaties or older kids can replace the presence of an attentive adult. Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. Assign a designated adult to actively watch children while they swim, especially in crowded or distracting environments.
Parents should also discuss the dangers of drains and pool equipment. Teach children to stay away from drains and to report any loose covers or strange suction. Drain entrapments, while rare, can lead to serious injury and require immediate intervention. Also, teach them to stay away from neighborhood pools when they aren’t with you. While pool owners can potentially be held accountable for causing a child harm by failing to secure their property in certain ways, the ideal is that your child avoid injury at all.
Teaching kids about pool safety isn’t just a summer task—it’s a year-round responsibility that protects lives. With a few smart steps, your family can enjoy the water as safely as possible all season long.