But when it comes to pool safety, there are particular rules that apply especially to kids.
Children should always be supervised by a responsible adult when playing in or around the water, especially younger children.
Caring for the Youngest Children
Toddlers and infants should always be within arm’s reach when playing near the pool. Small children have been known to drown in as little as a single inch of water.
Grownups want to have fun at the swimming pool as much as kids do. So the responsibility of supervising the children should be shared among all of the adults.
Use a Water Watchdog Card
A way to add fun to this responsibility is to create a Water Watchdog card, a physical index card that has the words “Water Watchdog” printed on it in marker.
The adult holding this card is responsible for actively supervising children as they play around the pool. Every 15 minutes, this card can then be passed to another grownup so that this duty is shared equally.
If you want you can use a new Water Watchdog card every time or have one laminated so that it is waterproof and over again.
Kids Share in Their Own Safety
Kids have to take some responsibility for their own safety as well. As soon as they are old enough, enroll children in swim classes so they can learn how to tread water, float, swim and stay close to the pool’s edge.
Make sure kids only swim in designated areas, such as the shallow edge of the swimming pool. Deeper water is for diving and experienced swimmers only.
Older swimmers who are more experienced should help supervise younger children. Get your kids used to the idea that they shoujld never go into the pool unless an adult is present to supervise them.