Its 93 degrees in the shade! The summer heat is here to stay. As a parent of children who enjoys swimming, getting wet, or playing in the sprinklers, I have to be mindful of how to keep them safe while swimming or playing in water.
See, let me be transparent, I don’t know how to swim and I have a fear of water but I try not to hold the kids captive to my fear.
The summer brings about more activities outside and when the heat is on hell, water activities tops the list.
I’m really trying this year to get them swimming lessons. I truly believe the younger you are when you learn is better but it’s never too late, right? Even for me? Look, I’m not ready!
Anyway, over the weekend, we took the kids to Cumberland Park. This park has an interactive play area and water splash area.
Now, this was right up my alley, oops, I mean the kids had a ball.
The splash area was perfect for kids and anyone that can’t swim but enjoy water play.
I appreciated the opportunity to relax and allow the kids to have fun in the water.
But…..
Then today, they wanted to get in the pool! Nooooooooo…. I was totally against it but the hubby, said it would be ok.
As not to be the negative no mom, I gave in. The hubby is a great swimmer so he would be in the water with the kids.
They had floaters and safety equipment for the pool. They ended up having a great time in the pool as well. The hubby even started teaching the 12 year old how to swim.
Even with allowing the kids to enjoy a wade pool or if your kids are great swimmers, everyone must practice water safety.
Swimming pools are great places for family fun especially when the heat is swealtering. As you plan out your summer water activities, make sure you go over and adhere to a few simple safety tips to ensure safety in and around the water.
Safety Tips provided by poolsafely.gov
1. Never leave a child unattended in or near water.
2. Teach children how to swim. Yes, we are working on this tip NOW!
3. Teach children to stay away from drains.
4. Ensure all pools and spas – both in your backyard and any public pool you may visit – have compliant drain covers.
5. Install proper barriers, covers and alarms on and around your pool and spa.
6. Know how to perform CPR on children and adults.
As someone that isn’t ready to face her fear, I stay in my lane when it comes to the pool. I make sure everyone has the items they need when they need it.
My goal is for my family to enjoy every moment the summer has for us.
Don’t stiffen the kids water play. Instead, implement some water safety and enjoy the summer!
What are your tips to keep the kids safe in the pool?
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This is such important information. Getting out in the water on a hot day is so much fun, but we have to be aware of the dangers of that water.
Sarah says
This is such an important post about summer safety. I think EVERYONE needs to know how to swim. I’ve seen too many instances of parents letting go of a child’s hand for one minute and something awful happens. It’s awesome that you are trying to teach your children to swim, it’s NEVER to late to learn whether you are 1 or 101.
Jeanette says
My Mom is terrified of water but she never let that hold her kids back from enjoying it. Teaching water safety is so important!
Connie says
It’s so important to teach kids water safety. The younger, the better.
Randa says
Great tips. Water safety is so important. Even if you don’t have a pool yourself, you want your kids to be prepared for what they might encounter.
TColeman says
Water play can be so much fun but it can also be so scary. Knowing tips like these will make it a better experience for everyone.
Dawn Lopez says
We are the pool all the time so water safety is really important. I think the hardest thing is keeping the boys from roughhousing by the pool. I have to remind them all the time!
Claudia Krusch says
These are great pool safety tips. I made sure to put my Son in swimming lessons when he was little. I wanted to be sure he would know how to swim if he ever fell in.
gingermommyrants says
Water safety is so important to teach our kids. I will have to review the rules with my kids before we go to the beach this year.
Danielle says
My kids love to swim, as do I. But I’m very cautious when they’re in the water because neither knows how to swim on their own. I have to explain this to my 5 y/o, who thinks he’s okay with his arm floats. He thinks I’m ruining his fun, but I don’t want anything to happen to him.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
Great tips! As a parent we have to make sure that our kids experience as much as they grow older, even if it means we have to deal with our fears. It’s awesome that you’re encouraging them to enjoy and swim more! The pointers that you have here are perfect for all parents this summer.
Amy Desrosiers says
We do not have easy access to a pool sadly. This is why my kids are going to suck up every last drop of summer fun while on vacation to VA.
Liz Mays says
It’s definitely warming up and pool and beach days are going to be necessary for sure. This is good safety advice!
Jamie says
Water safety is a huge goal for my family. My mom doesn’t swim and always had my brother and I in swim lessons from age 4 years to 12 years! My kids take lessons every year until they are super proficient! Great tips.
reesa says
Even though my kids are comfortable in the water, I still find it really important to teach them water safety!
Dawn McAlexander says
These are very important tips for pools and water. It never fails that there will be a drowning death sometime over the summer and it can be easily prevented with just following a few simple rules.
Sinisa says
Great list. Everyone should keep this in mind. Thanks for sharing about this.
Shirley Wood says
This information is essential for all parents! Knowing how to swim is super duper important not just for yourself but so you can rescue your children if necessary. Plus pool play in the summer is awesome!
Monica says
Swimming is so important and I’m committed to helping my youngest improve! Your lifesaving tips are so helpful. Hope you enjoy your summer!
brianne says
These are excellent tips. I just heard a news alert about pool water this summer too!
Rebecca Bryant says
I have been practicing water safety since son was born. Even now at 17, i watch him at pools and oceans for fear of him drowning.
Carrie Chance says
great tips! I can relate. I also have a bit of a fear of water and I try not to project that onto my kids as well. I got sim lessons for my 7 year old this Spring and we got a family pool pass this year. The lessons helped her but she still can’t really swim so I’m a bit nervous. Thankfully my husband will be there too
Lois Alter Mark says
It’s so important to raise awareness of this and prevent kids from drowning. These are all great tips which parents need to pay attention to whenever their kids are near the water.
Barbara Feldman says
Trying hard to not pass down on our fears to our kids is challenging. As mom of two adults, I’ve been through this; and have seen ways that I was successful in this, and other ways that I was not. Hats off to you for being self-aware and being the best mommy you can be!
My water safety tips are 1) swim lessons and 2) eyes on the kids always. Enjoy the summer!
Brandi Crawford says
These are great tips! Water safety is so important. I wish I learned to swim as a child.
Jennifer says
We’ve done swim lessons a few times, man it can really make a difference when you get a great swim teacher. Or teach your kids! My daughter is better than I was at her age but I want to get her some private lessons this summer to help her get even better. Great tips!
Louise says
These are all brilliant water safety tips. I’m always super cautious with the kids when we’re around water
Louise x
Still Dating My Spouse says
We are looking for private lessons for them. I want them to learn how to swim while young.
Still Dating My Spouse says
Barbara, you said a good word there: trying not to pass down our fears to our kids is challenging. Yes it is….