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Hey hey hey! I don’t know about you, but for us, summer means swimming pools and BBQs. We live in our swim suits and live for all of the sunshine and good times.
Swimming and swimming pools has a whole new meaning as a parent. It’s not all about splashing and sunbathing. Swim safety has become a number one priority around here!
We have a pool in our backyard, which is awesome! But it also could be so dangerous if we didn’t take the correct precautions. I know this summer pools are literally diving into back yards like crazy!
I just want to share a few tips on keeping your family, your visitors and neighbors safe during pool season.
Pool Rules
In our house, swim safety starts with daily discussions about pool rules and safety.
- We only go in the pool with an adult.
- We always wear our puddle jumpers in the pool and in the pool area.
Those are the two biggest rules. My kids know and abide by both rules at all times.
Swim Lessons
Swim lessons are another very important component to pool safety. Our kids take swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School as well as at our local pool.
Goldfish Swim School has a curriculum component that focuses on swim safety including what to do if you fall into a pool. They have learned how to swim up and immediately turn into a back float then get out of the pool. Although, I love that my kids are learning to swim and having a great time, I am most happy about their knowledge of how to save/protect themselves.
Pool Fence and Lock
All swimming pools must have a 4 foot barrier around them. For us, that is a fence. In Wisconsin, all in ground pools require a 4 foot or taller fence surrounding the pool. The pool fence must also have a gate with a lock. We have a gate with a keyed padlock.
Above ground pools must also have a 4 foot barrier, but pool decks, which are above 4 feet count. I do recommend having a locked gate at the base of the deck stairs. Gates help to keep your kids as well as pets out of the pool.
Pool Alarms
Pool alarms are something new we added this year. Nick and I had done a ton of research on pool alarms and then were surprised by my in-laws with a great one!
Pool alarms can be used in all pools, from in-ground to above ground and even blow up pools. Here are a few that made our list.
We have this alarm for our pool. It is attached to the cement but is easily removed when we want to swim. The alarm is set off by 15 lbs falling into the pool. If the pool water is disturbed, it sounds an alarm both outdoors and indoors. To turn the alarm off we have to go outside and manually turn it off. It may sound like a pain, but that’s the point, you have to physically go outside and check the pool.
This pool alarm is a floating alarm, so it would work well in both an in-ground and above ground pool. It also has an alarm that sounds outside as well as one inside. One great feature is that it has Bluetooth capability. You can adjust the setting right from your phone. This alarm is suited better for smaller pools.
On top of the pool alarm, we are also adding in these door alarms. Although our pool is fenced with a locked gate, I needed an extra piece of mind. So we decided to add this door alarm to our sliding door that leads out to our deck/pool area. When it comes to pools, you can never have enough safety features.
Above and beyond any safety measure you can purchase, the number one safety feature in the pool is YOU! Being present while your kids are swimming is not enough. You need to be near them and have your eyes on them at all times. It is so easy for them to slip under a pool float or accidentally bump their head. It can happen in a blink of an eye.
Whether you have your own pool or are visiting a friend’s pool, always remember that YOU are the most important swim safety tool. Keep you eyes on your kids at all times (no matter what their age), have clear pool rules and expectations and have fun!
