Swimming in pools has been a favorite activity for kids for decades. To ensure that kids are kept safe while enjoying a pool, make sure to pass along this list of essential rules.
1. Always Ask for Permission Before Going Near the Pool
Whether the pool is in your own backyard, a neighbor’s house, or at the local YMCA, your child should never get near or get in the pool without asking first. This ensures that an adult has knowledge of the child’s whereabouts in the water and that the child understands it’s not something they get to decide unilaterally.
2. Never Swim Without Adult Supervision
It’s not enough for a child to ask permission to use the pool and then go off on their own to swim. They should always have an adult person present 100% of the time. It’s good to reinforce that they can’t swim alone, but that second person shouldn’t just be another child.
3. No Running or Rough Play Around the Pool
Pool surrounds aren’t playgrounds, and they aren’t suitable for horseplay. Set the ground rules here by forbidding running or rough play around the pool. It’s not just a stubbed toe that can happen. It’s too easy to slip and hit a head on the pool surround or even accidentally fall in.
4. No Diving Without Permission
Diving in shallow water risks potentially paralyzing injuries to the neck and spine. Teach kids that feet-first entry is always the rule unless an adult has specifically said that diving is allowed in a certain area.
5. Stay Clear of Drains and Pool Equipment
Commercial pool repair and maintenance may be ongoing during seasonal weather. The equipment used is powerful and may involve the use of chemicals and suction, both dangerous for kids. If a pool is being repaired or treated, let kids know they have to maintain a safe distance until an adult says it’s okay to enter the pool.
6. Leave the Pool When Nature Calls
Kids have to specifically be told that it’s not safe to urinate or defecate in pool water. Doing so creates a bacterial environment that can make everyone in the pool get sick, sometimes to an alarming degree. Whenever kids get out of the pool, suggest a bathroom break to help avoid the temptation.
7. Follow All Lifeguard Rules
At the pool, lifeguards set the rules, and children should be taught to obey them without question, and without hesitation. If the whistle blows, kids should look and listen for instructions. These might be to exit the pool, stop a certain behavior or something else. Instill the fact that the lifeguard is literally there to safeguard lives.
8. No Dunking
Dunking is an age-old pool activity. Done with one’s own parents or family members, it might be fun and playful. But with friends or other swimmers, it can be downright dangerous. Not every child is at the same skill level when it comes to being able to hold their breath. Also, some kids might have asthma or another unseen condition that makes dunking especially traumatic.
9. Stay Within Your Own Swimming Ability
Kids love to be competitive, which can be healthy to a certain degree. But in a pool, where the situation can quickly get out of hand, it’s important that kids not get, literally, in over their heads. Children should be taught to stay in depths where toes can touch the bottom, and swim without panicking.
10. No Jumping on Top of Others
When entering the water, caution kids to be on the lookout for those already in the pool. They should always scan the area to make sure it’s clear before jumping in. Not doing so risks serious injury to a person, even an adult.
11. No Glass Near the Pool
Don’t allow the use of any glass near the pool. When glass breaks, its transparency makes it so hard to find, especially when shards fly into the pool. Bare feet make the situation even more dangerous. Wooden bowls, stainless steel, plastic cups, or self-enclosed soft-pack beverages are ideal for pool season.
When everyone knows and follows pool safety rules, kids can relax and have a great time. These rules for safe enjoyment will help keep kids from harm and instill a healthy respect for all bodies of water, including pools.
Author bio: Anthony Basilicato is the Vice President of Learning and Development at Pool Troopers, a company providing residential pool cleaning, maintenance, and repair services. With more than 20 years of experience in pool service operations, training, customer service, and construction sales, he brings extensive industry knowledge to his role. Basilicato holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of South Florida and focuses on developing training programs and operational standards that support team performance and customer satisfaction.
