We partnered with the Goldfish Swim School to bring you these great articles
Summer days are amazing, and I only wish I could spend the entire day soaking in the water. However, since I am like you – a very responsible parent, I have to put my children safety first. If you are about to go the neighborhood pool or the amazing Water Park you and I both need to make sure we follow some ground rules. That is why today I am sharing DO’s and DON’Ts of a Public Swim Pool:
Public Swim Pool Tips
Pay Attention
While it might be tempting to catch up on social media or have a long overdue conversation with a friend, make sure you can see your children at all times. We know how quick they move, but seeing them will prevent a much bigger problem.
Don’t Swim Alone
The “buddy system” is the best when it comes to swimming. If your child is playing with a friend that will insure somebody else is paying attention what you child is doing in the water. Kids often make friends on the spot, but if this is not an option, jump in yourself and use this time to bond with your son or daughter – it is a great quality time you will both remember for a long time. Learn more ways to know if your child should swim alone here.
Don’t Walk Away
Lifeguards are not babysitters. Stay at the poolside while your kids swim. Ask people you know well and trust to watch your children for a minute if you have to escape for a moment or wait for a safety break (if you have one). This really is the most important swim pool tip.
Take a Life Jacket
If your child is not a strong swimmer, keep a life jacket near by. Often younger children try to follow older friends and siblings to the deep end of the pool. Having a life jacket by your side will help you act quickly.
Reapply Sunscreen
If you are spending hours at the pool, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen. Did you know that while swimming, you are more likely to get sunburned? Water is like a magnifying glass – it attracts the sun to everything in it. Make sure to use the snack time and safety breaks to refresh sun skin protection.
Learn to Swim
You know how important it is for kids at any age to be strong swimmers. While splashing is fun, learning to swim is a lifelong skill. We love going to the Goldfish Swim School. My toddler has attended classes since he was six months old and he turns heads every time we are in our local pool. Unlike some kids of his age, he loves jumping in the water, is very comfortable diving under the water surface, knows how to crawl out of the pool safely, and just enjoys his pool time to the max.
Check out Goldfish Swim School in Mundelein or find the location near you here. Ask for a tour, an evaluation or attend one of their fun events. And most importantly, don’t forget to remember these swim pool tips for keeping yourself and those around you safe during your time at the local public pool!
I don’t have kids, but I think if I did, I’d be a nervous wreck at the pool! I know my sister is with her four munchkins. Sunscreen alone would be a full-time poolside job for me. Sunscreen use was a bit more lax when I was growing up than it is now and it shows.
Great tips during this time of the year. We always swim with our kids. NOt sure if that will change as they get older but for now we are in the pool with them. ALso, sunscreen. YES! Reapply!! I learned the hard way earlier this summer.
My biggest issue with being at a pool is that I always forget to reapply sunscreen. I usually end up looking like a tomato by the end of the day. Also, don’t leave you children alone in the pool is so important. It only takes an instant for a head to go under water.
I have so many fond memories of going to the public pool when I was a kid. From taking swimming lessons early in the morning to spending the afternoon swimming with my friends. It was so fun. These days making sure you have sunscreen on and reapply often is a must.
Great tips! I don’t know how many times I’ve seen so many parents walk away, you must keep you eyes on them at all times while they are in the pool. We definitely keep a lot of sunscreen on hand when I children are at the pool. Sharing this post!!
Great tips. The public swimming facilities can be dangerous. I know summer is almost over for kids to go back to school but hopefully these tips can save a life!
These are great tips. One thing I am always telling people is to watch your kids and don’t lose sight of them, especially in a public pool. It only takes a second for something to go wrong.
I wish I did know how to swim. i remember when my son started learning. It was a very nervous experience for me because I had to depend on the lifeguards. Although he does fairly well I kept a close watch on him and preferred him to be closer to the shallower end! At least I can walk over and save him if need be!
These are all very important tips. All day at the pool can be quite boring too but anything can happen in a split second. I do like the buddy system and of course reapplying sunscreen is so important because they really only last for so long regardless of what the bottle says.
These are such all very important tips! It can be quite a handful to manage kids at the pool since safety is often compromised, but thankfully and hopefully more people are reminded of these things you wrote down. Good job!