Summer Pool Safety - Parenting Tips

It’s summertime. When it’s hot outside, the coolest place to be may be your neighborhood swimming pool. While you and your children are soaking in the rays and jumping off diving boards, Boys Town Pediatrics would like to offer a few pool safety recommendations to help keep your family safe this summer:

Always supervise children at the pool. Do not engage in other activities that would take your eyes away from monitoring children.
Choose a pool with a lifeguard. Parents need to continue to supervise their children while a lifeguard is present.
Swim with a buddy.

Learn CPR. Early emergency help can dramatically increase survival rate for a victim.
Reapply sunscreen every 60-90 minutes, using a broad spectrum sun block.
Have your child take breaks from the pool about every 60 minutes. Have your child rest for a few minutes and drink plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated in the summer heat.
Do not use foam or air-filled toys such as noodles, kick boards and arm bands as floatation devices. They toys are designed for play, not to keep children safe in the water.

With consistent adult supervision, plenty of fluids and ample sunscreen, both children and parents will have an enjoyable summer at the pool. For more information on pediatric issues log on to www.boystownpediatrics.org.