This weekend is filled with lots of water fun, and as we round out National Water Safety month, we leave you with these six ways to stay safe around water this Memorial Day whether it's in the pool, lake, ocean, or water park!
It's important to follow these steps if you're hosting a pool party, going to one, or are simply heading to an open body of water with your kids. These six tips will help prevent drowning or water-related injuries.
#1: Designate a Water Watcher
It's vital to constantly supervise children in and around the water. Drowning can happen quickly, and it's a silent killer.
Even if there are lifeguards around, watch both children and non-swimmers when they're around the water. Put your phones down and stay within arm's reach.
If you're having a party, be sure and designate a Water Watcher. This should be an adult whose sole responsibility is watching kids in the pool. You can alternate this person so no one has to do it the whole time.
Don't just drop your kids off to swim at a pool without knowing there is someone in charge of keeping them safe.
#2: Make Sure Everyone Can Swim
Children and adults need to know how to swim to stay safe around the water. And, you can learn at any age!
Enroll your kids in swimming lessons, and if you can't swim, sign yourself up, too! You can find lessons all around Norman, and where you live as well.
#3: Prevent Access to Your Pool
Pools are tantalizing for your own kids, their friends, and even neighbor children. Be sure and prevent access to your pool when you aren't outside.
Consider fencing and a self-closing/self-latching gate. Another good idea is to add alarms to alert you if someone if trying to get into your pool.
#4: Encourage Swim Buddies
Don't let your kids swim alone. If only one of your children wants to swim, you still need to be watching.
Also, even if lifeguards are around public pools and beaches, make sure your kiddos have a buddy. The buddy system saves lives.
#5: Use Life Jackets When Boating
All adults and kids should wear a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket while boating. This is especially true for non swimmers and inexperienced swimmers.
While water wings and inflatables are fun, they aren't approved as flotation devices.
#6: Be Prepared
You always want to be prepared, especially if you own your own pool. Emergencies happen.
So, learn CPR. Have an action plan. Create an emergency first aid kit and keep it near the pool!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have our six ways to stay safe around water this Memorial Day, you are really set for the whole summer.
Finally, if you do have your own swimming pool, make sure all swimmers (especially the young ones) know your pool rules.
You are now set to enjoy a fun and safe summer in and around the water! Questions? Let us know - we are your hometown pool store!
