Simple home pool safety tips

Melty popsicles, swinging hammocks and splashing in swimming pools — isn’t summertime simply the best? Spending time at the pool is a favorite pastime of many, and enjoying it with your kids should be a safe and fun experience. Here are a few ways to help you make pool safety simple and ensure the time your family spends in the water is full of happy memories.

Prevent pool accidents with these summer safety tips

Whether you’re at home, at a waterpark or at the neighborhood public pool, following these swimming pool safety tips will ensure that your summer outing stays fun while your kids build confidence in their swimming skills.

Always supervise pool activity

Kids should only swim with an adult’s permission and supervision. Stay attentive and don’t get distracted by texting or playing a phone game. Even better, get in the water with the kids so you can be there quickly if a problem arises.

At a public pool, make sure there is always a lifeguard on duty, and don’t let your kids get in if the pool is too crowded. Too many people in the water can cause even the most eagle-eyed to lose track of a child.

Keep kids away from drains and suction outlets, and be sure you know the location of the emergency vacuum shutoff valve. Bathing suits, jewelry, hair and even limbs can get stuck in drains or suction openings, causing a serious emergency situation.

Always use personal flotation devices

Only expert swimmers should be in the deep end without a life preserver. Pool noodles and inner tubes aren’t enough to protect accidents from happening — make sure all kids in the pool are outfitted with proper personal flotation devices like lifejackets that are properly fitted to their small frames. Keep a life ring next to the pool as backup if something goes wrong.

The best way to ensure your kids stay afloat in the pool is to get in with them and be their support if needed.

Put together a pool safety kit

Keeping a first aid kit is a no-brainer for any swimming outing, so make sure yours has at least the essentials like bandages, alcohol wipes and antibiotic cream. A pair of scissors is also a must-have, in case someone becomes tangled in a pool cover or their bathing suit or hair is caught in a suction outlet.

Learning CPR is a great way to up your pool safety game. You can take classes at hospitals, community centers or through the Red Cross. Make sure you stay up-to-date on your certification.

Protect the pool when not in use

In most states, pools must be enclosed by a 4-foot high fence or taller. Close the pool’s safety cover or lock the doors from the house to the pool when you are done swimming. If you have an indoor pool, be sure to keep the door closed and locked when the pool isn’t in use.

Keeping the pool clean is an important part of making it a safe place to swim. That’s why you’ll want to make sure the pool is clean enough to see the bottom at all times.

If you have an in-ground, above-ground or indoor pool, connect with your American Family Insurance agent to understand how your homeowners insurance or umbrella coverage can help protect your pool.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We believe this information is accurate but do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.