Encouraging Moms at Home

Tips, Tricks and Tools for the #MomWin

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Brand Inquiries
    • Full Disclosure
    • Our Writing Team
  • Homemaking
    • Cleaning
    • Essential Oils
    • Recipes
      • Instant Pot
      • Gluten Free Dairy Free
      • Using Produce
      • Cooking with Pumpkin
    • Nutrition
    • Food Preservation
  • Homeschooling
    • Homeschool Encouragement
    • Homeschool High School
    • Special Needs
    • Homeschooling Art
    • Homeschool STEM
    • Homeschool Technology
    • Teen and Tween Writers
  • Teaching Ideas
    • Free Printables
    • MInecraft
    • LEGO
    • Fine Motor Skills
  • Family Life
    • Gift Guides
    • Kid’s Activities
    • Summer Fun
    • Hiking
    • Moving
    • Christian Life
      • Christian Family Activities
      • Scripture Memory
      • Poetry
      • Creation
      • Advent and Christmas
      • Thanksgiving
  • Moms
    • Encouragement
    • Budget And Finances
    • Mom Fashion
    • Date Your Spouse
    • Work At Home
  • Shop
    • My Account

Ten Ways to Stay Safe at the Pool this Summer

by Amy Blevins 33 Comments

Posts contain affiliate links. This means, if you choose to make a purchase, I will make a commission at no extra cost to you. For more information please see our full disclosure.
76shares
  • Pinterest70
  • Facebook6
  • Twitter

The information in this post about pool safety are loose guidelines and should be tempered by your own common sense and consideration for each situation. This is not intended as iron-clad advice or a guarantee of safety at the pool.

It’s summer, and for our family that means pool days are here! Here in Northern Virginia we go to the pool pretty much every single afternoon, so pool days are a way of life. Whether you go to the pool once per day, once per week, or two or three times per summer – it’s super important that you and your kids do your part to stay safe.

So, here are ten ways to stay safe at the pool this summer:

Don’t Depend on the Lifeguards to Keep Your Kids Safe at the Pool

I’ll never forget one summer in California, watching one of the lifeguards who was supposed to be watching my children swim — but was actually falling asleep on the stand. Don’t ever trust the lifeguard on duty to do their job! I feel like most lifeguards are responsible people, but mistakes happen to all of us! For that reason, it is your responsibility to keep an eye on your kids even if there is a lifeguard on duty.

Make your Kids Practice the Buddy System to Help Them Stay Safe at the Pool

Kids swimming with friends are far more likely to be noticed if one of them gets into trouble. Friends should be told to watch out for each other, stay together, and shout for a lifeguard if they see anything that isn’t normal behavior from their friends. You can even have your kids take a water safety course and learn the signs of silent drowning. Kids should also be told not to attempt a rescue themselves, but to alert the nearest lifeguard and grown-up until someone pays attention. The buddy system is especially important at larger waterparks where older tweens and teens might be allowed to go off on their own if they stay together.

Do you go to the pool every day? Even if you don't, here are 10 ways to stay safe at the pool anytime you go over the summer.

Use Sunscreen to Keep Kids Safe in the Pool

Although we only need sunscreen the first few weeks of summer to prevent burning, we keep applying it all summer long to help prevent skin cancer. I like to pick this version with no parabens but will use almost any sunscreen in a pinch.

Take Breaks at the Pool to Keep Kids Safe

Taking breaks is a must and has been proven to lower rates of incidents in the pool. Most pools will enforce a ten or fifteen minute break on the hour, and you should use this opportunity to have your kids sit, reapply sunscreen, maybe get a snack, and just generally rest. The longer you stay at the pool, the more important it is that you take hourly breaks from the water, even if it is not a pool rule. Swimming takes far more energy than movement outside the water so we tire out faster than we think. Check out our twenty tips for moms at the pool for ideas on what to take along for break time.

Make your Kids Pass a Swim Test

I was shocked earlier this summer to learn that certain larger pools in central Ohio don’t require swim tests for kids to go into the deep end. To me this is simply ludicrous. Kids in the deep end of large public pools should need a band. I realize it is a logistical nightmare, but is far better than a legal liability nightmare! Moms – even if your kids do not have to pass a swim test to go in the deep end at your pool, you are the mom. Make them pass a swim test of your own making!

Kids should be able to swim the length of the pool without touching and then tread water for at least one minute as a minimum before swimming in the deep end. During the middle years when strength proportionate to body mass waxes and wanes through growth periods, kids should be re-tested each year.

Know the Signs of Drowning Before you Go

Drowning is a silent killer that claims 4,000 people per year in the United States. I say that it is silent because people who are drowning cannot ask for help and often do not realize they need help until it is too late. Of course you want to keep your kids from ever getting to that point, but you should still be informed about what to watch for. Also – please note that even experienced swimmers on swim teams can drown.

Only Use Approved Independent Flotation Devices and Don’t Count on Them to Prevent Drowning

Very few independent flotation devices for young children have been approved for safe use as a life jacket by the US Coast Guard, and even when you use one that has been approved like these Puddle Jumpers, you need to be within arms length of your young child at all times. Wings like the ones in the pinnable photo in this post are not a safety net to prevent drowning! Do not ever think you can put a baby or toddler or non-swimming child in wing floats or any other floatation device and walk away. That’s a recipe for disaster.

Avoid Large Crowds to Keep Safe at the Pool

At our local pool we have a couple hours twice a week when a local summer daycare brings their kids to swim. I avoid those hours like the plague, and I’ve been criticized for it by people who think I’m being a snob. The truth is, the very crowded pool conditions that result scare me, and the crowded conditions irritate my kids. Far better to go before or after and have sixty less kids in the pool. Crowded pool conditions make it harder for lifeguards and parents to do their jobs keeping an eye on the safety of each swimmer. It might take a little while, but figure out when your local pool has the smallest crowds and then plan your pool times accordingly.

Pay for Swim Lessons and Pool Safety Seminars for your Kids

One of the best things we have done for our kids is to pay for the Red Cross Swim Lessons where they are taught how to swim and also about pool safety. This is a big deal. Everyone needs to know how to swim and what to do if they see someone drowning. Learning to swim is not optional in our family – this is a life saving skill. Make sure you grab this free checklist for kids to get ready for the pool because getting out the door for swim lessons can be super tough.

Keep Your Kids Away From the Drains and Suction Outlets

Pool drains are a true safety hazard and parents just do not realize how dangerous these are. I remember playing with the suction outlets all the time when I was growing up and at the pool. Hair, clothing, limbs, and even medical jewelry can get stuck in pool drains or suction outlets and create a life threatening situation very quickly. Also check to make sure your pool has all drains properly covered.

By the way. . .

Moms need to stay safe at the pool too! Use sunscreen, and definitely wear a pair of UV sunglasses since you will be scanning the pool into the sun to find your kids at some point. I’ve forgotten my sunglasses on pool days more than once and it is always a cause for regret and concern and general discomfort. A few of my blogging friends and I are giving away these FABULOUS sunglasses and the winner is going to love them!

Welcome to our Chanel Sunglasses Giveaway

Hey – I know this giveaway is going to give you some instruction for commenting on this post. Will you please use the words “Here’s how we stay safe in the pool” in your comment and give us another tip or expand on something about swimming pool safety? Add to the conversation and help me out at the same time!

Join our Chanel Sunglasses Giveaway now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please wait for the rafflecopter to load above.

Giveaway ends on 7/17/17 11:59pm EST and is open to US residents only (excludes Alaska and Hawaii)

Disclaimer: This Chanel sunglasses was purchased from Zulily

76shares
  • Pinterest70
  • Facebook6
  • Twitter

Disclosure

33 Comments
Family LIfe, Summer Fun

About Amy Blevins

Amy lives with her husband and six beautiful children in Northern Virginia. Besides blogging, Amy enjoys homeschooling, hiking, reading, singing, teaching, and serving Jesus above all. Welcome.

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Jessica Gipson says

    June 29, 2017 at 11:52 AM

    My favorite is sunglasses.

    Reply
  2. Sally says

    July 9, 2017 at 12:23 AM

    Water 😛

    Reply
  3. Luba says

    July 9, 2017 at 12:50 AM

    We always keep the smaller kids within the arm’s reach and those who are good swimmers swim in pairs and watching each other.

    Reply
  4. Sarah says

    July 9, 2017 at 12:58 AM

    We love the slip n slide!

    Reply
  5. Megan says

    July 9, 2017 at 5:42 AM

    Here’s how we stay safe at the pool… we wear swimsuits with flotation devices built in.

    Reply
  6. Alice Manville says

    July 9, 2017 at 6:27 AM

    My favorite accessories in the summer are, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and lip gloss.

    Reply
  7. Stacey says

    July 9, 2017 at 7:15 AM

    We stay safe in the pool also by applying sunblock and by avoiding most of the top sun hours of the day 10-4.

    Reply
  8. Melanie B says

    July 9, 2017 at 7:31 AM

    Here’s how we stay safe at the pool: hydration. Heat stroke can happen easily on hot days, expending lots of energy in the pool. So we drink tons of water!

    Reply
    • Amy Blevins says

      July 9, 2017 at 4:24 PM

      This is so important! Thanks for reminding me 🙂

      Reply
  9. Cindy Magee says

    July 9, 2017 at 9:17 AM

    My summer essential is sunblock. My kids are fair skinned especially my oldest. Even putting sunblock on him yesterday he still got a sunburn!

    Reply
  10. Valarie Hudson says

    July 9, 2017 at 10:11 AM

    Here’s how we stay safe at the pool. There’s no running around the pool. They could slip and fall or knock someone else down or knock them in the pool.

    Reply
  11. LeAnn Harbert says

    July 9, 2017 at 11:49 AM

    Nice pair of sandals and sunglasses.

    Reply
  12. Kimberly J. says

    July 9, 2017 at 1:58 PM

    Always need great sunglasses!

    Reply
  13. Jenny Scheldberg says

    July 9, 2017 at 2:28 PM

    A cute pair of flip flops or sandals.

    Reply
  14. Shaela Haney says

    July 9, 2017 at 3:27 PM

    Here’s how we stay safe in the pool. Our pool has a rule that if you are 7 and under you can not go in without an adult. Kids 5 and up are not allowed in the baby pool either. By following those rules, I feel safer.

    Reply
  15. Desiree Luhnow says

    July 9, 2017 at 5:08 PM

    ☀️sunglasses ?

    Reply
  16. Renee says

    July 9, 2017 at 6:53 PM

    Sunglasses

    Reply
  17. Julia Daniels says

    July 9, 2017 at 8:51 PM

    Here’s how we stay safe in the pool: no child in the deep end unless they can pass a swim test OR they have an adult swimmer right beside them at all times.

    Reply
  18. elisabeth sinthavong says

    July 9, 2017 at 8:56 PM

    My favorite summer accessory is sunglasses and sunblock!

    Reply
  19. Kirsten says

    July 9, 2017 at 10:31 PM

    Here’s how we stay safe at tue pool: we play together. I am right there with my son, playing, so I will immediately be a LE to tell if something is wrong.

    Reply
  20. Jeanna Massman says

    July 10, 2017 at 1:49 AM

    Sandals are my favorite summer accessory

    Reply
  21. sheena says

    July 10, 2017 at 3:43 PM

    My fav accessory is my two beautiful girls!!

    Reply
  22. Eva Daniell says

    July 10, 2017 at 6:02 PM

    other than sunglasses it would have to be a great pedicure with a stylish pair of sandals

    Reply
  23. Evelyn says

    July 10, 2017 at 10:57 PM

    Here is how we stay safe in the pool, hydrate in hot days.

    Reply
  24. Jen says

    July 11, 2017 at 12:18 PM

    My best advice is to plan to spend time at the pool. If you don’t have one in your yard it has to be a plan.

    Reply
  25. Jen says

    July 11, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    kickbord

    Reply
  26. Denise says

    July 15, 2017 at 10:37 PM

    Here’s how we stay safe in the pool- we recite/sing our “swim safely” rules before hopping in the pool & practice our floats!

    Reply
  27. April says

    July 19, 2017 at 7:45 PM

    My favorite summer accessory is sunscreen–lots of it! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Karen Fletcher says

    July 19, 2017 at 8:52 PM

    Flip-flops!!

    Reply
  29. Melissa Henderson says

    July 19, 2017 at 9:22 PM

    I do try to in still in my children safety in all areas including sunscreen and even bug repellent in summer time especially since we live near water which also brings us to water safety. Water safety is important and since we live in an area surrounded by water everywhere we have long talks about safety and I quiz then to make sure they are paying attention no need to have an accident that could have been prevented by a little education on safety.

    Reply
  30. Tammy says

    July 19, 2017 at 11:30 PM

    Flip flops!

    Reply
  31. Deb says

    July 20, 2017 at 2:51 PM

    Long sleeves and a hat!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Twenty Swimming Pool Tips for Moms says:
    July 19, 2017 at 2:14 PM

    […] Stay alert. Dumping your kids into the pool and burying your nose in a book might be all well and good if they are teens. Younger children should know that you are watching out for them. Lifeguards might be on duty, but that doesn’t mean you are off the hook. I’ve even caught one lifeguard on camera asleep on duty! Keep your kids safe. I don’t lock eyes on my child the entire time if they are swimming reasonably well, have passed a swim test, and are with their friends. But I do try to stay at least aware of what is going on and keep a running check on all the kids’ whereabouts. Take a look at our list of pool safety tips to learn more about staying safe at the pool. […]

    Reply

Search

Our Favorite Essential Oils

Essential Oil blend for Concentration and Focus

Keep In Touch

  • Shop
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • About Encouraging Moms at Home
  • Brand Inquiries
  • Full Disclosure with Privacy Policy
  • Our Writing Team

Kids Can Learn with LEGO Bricks

Our Latest Shenanigans

See these pretty little plants playing peekaboo? I See these pretty little plants playing peekaboo? I thought they were goners. See, my sister gave us the bulbs for Asiatic Lillies for Christmas last year, down in a bag full of dirt and told us to take them home and plant them in the cold so they would rest and come back next year. Or freeze them. I did neither. I knew we weren’t in our own home yet, and we were hoping to move into our forever home this summer, so I threw them in the closet and waited. They stayed dormant, and started to develop roots in the Spring, still in the bag in my closet. Come June 5, we moved into our new house, and I pulled out the bag around June 15 to plant them and found that the roots were turning to mush. The bulbs were starting to rot. I planted them anyway, but to make matters worse, I accidentally planted them upside down because I thought the roots were actually sprouts. Oops. Then, I hired my boys and their friends to weed the bed where these are planted and forgot to tell them to leave these alone. The “sprouts” disappeared. I thought they were gone forever. Here it is the middle of August, and a week or so ago, I found these baby Asiatic Lillies coming up. I texted a pic to my sis to ask if this was what they look like. Sure enough after all that trauma, this gift survived. I won’t have blooms this year, but I’m told they will come back next year and survive to bloom. What a sweet blessing that will be, God willing. And a sweet reminder to persevere under trials and hardship. God is doing something bigger, something hidden, something better than we can ever imagine. Hang in there! #momlife #momfierce #momforthewin #firmlyplanted
Today I’ve been sorting through some heavy stuff Today I’ve been sorting through some heavy stuff, especially the unmasking of pedophilia and it’s prominence in the US and in our backyards. This horrifies and frightens me. I am so grateful to know that God will prevail. In the end, He wins. Everything seems so dark here in the US and it’s because of the spiritual forces of evil — but I know God will prevail. His love never fails. I’m putting my hope in this truth. #loveneverfails #godwins #godisgreater #momlife #momfierce
I’m grateful to have prayer in my life. Worry st I’m grateful to have prayer in my life. Worry steals so much joy. 
I’ve also been grateful for the Pray Fierce Summit summit. You can listen free each day by looking for the preview buttons. 
#prayfierce
Join us in prayer? The link is in my profile. List Join us in prayer? The link is in my profile. Listen free each day by looking for the highlighted “preview” buttons. #praynow #prayfortheworld  #prayerchangesthings
⁣ ⁣I love this. In the ESV it says be Faithful ⁣
⁣I love this. In the ESV it says be Faithful in Prayer. That’s one of my goals in life! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣It’s also one of the goals of the Pray Fierce Summit - to help moms be faithful in prayer. ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣It’s free to listen each day — I hope you will join us! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣You can listen free by clicking the preview buttons on the sessions labeled “watch free!” - find the clickable link in my bio!⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣https://mom-fierce.teachable.com/p/moms-pray-fierce-summit⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#prayfierce #prayformoms #prayerrocks #prayer #pray #momfierce #momwins #momlife
Guess what showed up on my doorstep this morning? Guess what showed up on my doorstep this morning? Chicken for my freezer! I’ve been struggling to find meat at reasonable prices, so I was very glad to find this. If you want chicken Use code Farmer10 to get 10% off too. Use my #linkinprofile to support my #ladyboss business! #homelife #familylife #momlife #chicken #linkinbio
This is such a tough time for so many. Our hearts This is such a tough time for so many. Our hearts and prayers are with you if you are struggling today. Reach out if you have a need. You are loved. 💕
There are so many things I need to tell you about There are so many things I need to tell you about this picture. First #sheisloved campaign with @mercyhouseglobal and sheispriceless.org - check that out it’s important. Second - that cute bracelet came from @mercyhouseglobal about a month ago and *didn’t fit*. Today it’s loose enough to twist. I haven’t lost a lot of pounds according to the scale — I kinda stalled out three or four weeks ago at 17 pounds lost — but apparently I’m losing fat. That’s a victory. Third, my hands look like my moms and will some day look like my grandmas. I consider that a blessing.  Finally, it’s been a beautiful day😍 but I’m kinda sad it took me this long to find a red marker and share the love. If you have one handy, it’s not too late to jump on board with @wearethatfamily and be a world-changer! #worldchanger #momfierce #prayformoms #especiallyteenmomsinkenya #mymomrocks
How was Mother’s Day for you. It can be an incre How was Mother’s Day for you. It can be an incredible blessing or bring incredible pain. In whatever your circumstance, I will pray that you rest in God’s presence today. #mom #momlife #momwins #momfierce #momsofinstagram #2020mom
Follow on Instagram
Copyright ©2021, Encouraging Moms at Home. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs