It’s all fun and games until somebody gets hurt, right? Many injuries are avoided by having a clear set of rules and proper supplies around the pool area. Here are a few poolside safety tips to help keep everyone safe and happy!
Walk… Don’t Run!
I’m sure we all know that it’s almost impossible to stop on a dime when running. Wet feet can easily slip and cause many injuries. So when around the pool area, it is best to walk… don’t run!
Adequate Supervision
Always supervise children around the pool and in the water. Drowning can happen so quickly and quietly. Never turn your back on your child in the water and ensure proper flotation devices are used if one is not a confident swimmer.
First Aid Kit
In any situation, you should keep a first aid kit readily available at all times. Accidents happen and it is never a bad idea to be prepared. Here are a few items we recommend keeping in your poolside first aid kit:
- Sterile gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Adhesive bandages
- Roller bandages
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Instant ice packs
- Disposable non-latex gloves
- Pencil and pad
- Barrier devices such as a pocket mask or face shield
- First aid manual
No Diving!
Backyard pools are often not as deep as commercial pools and do not give the same amount of room to land safely and successfully. Diving in a residential pool can often be catastrophic and result in life altering injuries – ESPECIALLY in the shallow end. Enter the pool feet first to minimize the chances of injury or if you are going to dive, make sure the water is deep enough.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
It’s kind of ironic that one would get dehydrated while swimming in a body of water, isn’t it? Well, it happens more than you may think. We often forget to drink water when we are floating in a pool of water. This is because your body may not recognize that you are thirsty when you are relaxed and cooled off. When you get out of the pool, you may finally start to feel yourself being thirsty. But did you know, the first signs of being dehydrated is feeling thirsty? It is important to drink plenty of fluids (and by that we mean mainly water) by the pool area. So, keep some water close by (in plastic cups of course) and stay hydrated out there!
SUNSCREEN!
Did you know, just ONE bad burn can triple your risk of getting melanoma skin cancer? Sunscreen may be the last thing on your mind when you are in the water but it is important to remember that water reflects the sun, making your chances of turning into a tomato that much higher. Invest in some waterproof sunscreen this summer and avoid that nasty burn!
