Water activities offer fun and relaxation, but safety is paramount, especially for families with young children. While our lifeguards are always on duty, staying vigilant around water is essential. Drowning is a serious risk, particularly for children, and is the leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1-4. With these safety tips, you can help ensure your family has a safe and enjoyable day at the pool.
Choose a Water Watcher
Supervision is crucial. Designate a “water watcher” – an adult responsible for keeping a constant eye on the children in the pool. This person should stay alert, avoid distractions, and be within arm’s reach of young swimmers. If you’re the sole adult, be sure to stay close and focused at all times while your kids are in the water.
Don’t Rely on Toys
Floaties and pool noodles are fun but aren’t life-saving devices. They can give a false sense of security and are not designed to keep weak swimmers safe. For young children or weak swimmers, choose a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.
Enforce Safety Rules
Water play can be unpredictable, so it’s important to set and enforce clear safety rules. Kids love to run, but wet surfaces around the pool can be slippery and dangerous. Remind them to avoid running and roughhousing. Also, discourage activities like pushing or jumping on others in the water, which can lead to accidents.
Never Swim Alone
Make sure children never swim alone or without adult supervision. Even if you need to step away briefly, have your child exit the pool and accompany you. The pool is fun, but constant supervision is essential for safety.
Other Tips to Help
Learning CPR is a valuable skill for any adult, especially if you spend time around water. CPR training can prepare you to respond effectively in an emergency. Additionally, encouraging your child to take swim lessons can significantly reduce their risk of drowning. Swim lessons help children gain essential swimming skills and water confidence, which are crucial for safety.
Encourage Swim Lessons
One of the best ways to promote water safety is by enrolling your child in swim lessons. Studies show that swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning among children ages 1 to 4. At our facility, we offer swim lessons led by certified instructors who teach water safety skills and provide both group and private instruction. Our lessons are available to all ages and ability levels, from beginners learning the basics to advanced swimmers refining their techniques.
Additional Tips for a Fun Day at the Pool
Taking care of a few extra details can enhance your pool day experience:
- Avoid swallowing pool water: Remind kids to avoid drinking the pool water.
- Take regular bathroom breaks: Schedule breaks every 90 minutes to ensure kids don’t use the pool as a substitute.
- Keep ears dry: Dry ears thoroughly after swimming to help prevent infections like swimmer’s ear.
- Stay hydrated: Even though you’re in the water, staying hydrated is key, so bring plenty of water and snacks for the day.
Dive into Safety and Fun at Our Indoor Pool
Our aquatics facility is one of the finest in South Texas, and we are dedicated to providing a safe, enjoyable environment for families. With our indoor swimming pool, you can enjoy water activities year-round, regardless of the weather. Plus, our swim lessons in Corpus Christi, led by skilled instructors, ensure that every swimmer gains the skills they need to stay safe and confident in the water.
Ready to make a splash? Join us at Corpus Christi Athletic Club, where safety and fun go hand in hand. Our swim lessons are designed to fit every age and skill level, so your family can build water confidence in a secure, supportive environment. Sign up today and take the first step toward safer, more enjoyable swimming experiences for your family!