Diving into summer fun often means diving into pools, but for families of preschoolers, it also means diving into a pool of safety concerns. At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we’re committed to ensuring that your little ones enjoy the water while staying safe. Take the plunge into these essential tips to keep your preschooler protected poolside!
Constant Supervision
The most crucial precaution around pools is constant adult supervision. Preschoolers can be unpredictable, and accidents can happen in an instant. Always keep your child within arm’s reach in or near the pool. Appoint a reliable adult as the “water watcher” to focus solely on the children during pool activities.
Secure Pool Barriers
If you have a pool at home, ensure a secure fence with self-sealing and self-locking gates surrounds it. This barrier helps prevent unsupervised access, reducing the risk of accidents. Consider adding pool alarms that alert you when someone enters the pool area unexpectedly.
Flotation Devices and Swimming Skills
Equip your preschooler with U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices when they’re near or in the pool. These provide an extra layer of safety but shouldn’t serve as substitutes for supervision. Additionally, start swimming lessons early to build your child’s confidence and skills in the water. Qualified instructors can teach essential skills like floating, treading water, and basic swimming techniques.
Poolside Safety Rules
Establish clear safety rules for the pool area and ensure your preschooler understands them. Teach them not to run around the pool, avoid pushing or roughhousing, and stay away from pool drains or other hazards. Use fun and age-appropriate ways to explain these rules to encourage compliance.
Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for emergencies can save lives. Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills, and ensure that other adults supervising children are also trained. Have emergency contact information and a first aid kit readily available, and know where the nearest lifeguard station is located.
At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we’re dedicated to providing families with the necessary tools and tips to enjoy swimming while prioritizing safety above all else. With these essential tips in mind, families can confidently approach poolside play with their preschoolers, knowing they’ve taken the proper precautions to ensure water safety.
If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at our school’s blog page. There you will find blogs on a wide variety of topics that we believe will be beneficial to you and your family. Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Waterford Lakes located in Orlando, Florida? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.