Around the water, there’s plenty of fun to go around. Unfortunately, there’s also a lot of danger. That is true both in and out of the water. It’s important to enforce rules like “no running or rough play by the pool.”
Set the Ground Rules: No Running or Rough Play by the Pool
Drowning is a serious issue, especially for children. According to the CDC, an average of two children under the age of 14 die from unintentional drowning each day. Beyond that, there are plenty of ways for a person of any age to become injured in the area just outside of the pool.
Slipping and falling near the water can be just as dangerous as swimming. For this reason, it is critical to set clear ground rules. First and foremost, we recommend starting with “no running or rough play by the pool.”
Slippery When Wet
For kids, horsing around can be a lot of fun, but when there is water and concrete involved, caution is crucial. People running or being reckless by the pool can lead to some nasty falls. This can result in cuts, scrapes, head injuries, or even drowning danger. Children should be reminded to avoid rough or running play by the pool.
If you anticipate either using or visiting a pool, start the day by establishing some clear pool safety rules. These should be simple instructions that every member of your party can understand.
Before anyone even thinks about heading out to the pool area, have a frank and serious conversation about the rules with anyone who will be in the pool area. This includes both children and adults, and even those who don’t plan on swimming. Dangerous and reckless behavior can affect anyone, regardless of age.
Avoid Slipping with Water Shoes
Depending on the surface, the area around the pool can be quite slippery. That’s even true inside the pool, if the pool isn’t well maintained. Slime and algae can build up on the pool’s stairs, which can lead to a nasty fall.
Now, while we hope the main takeaway from this blog post is “no running or rough play by the pool,” it doesn’t hurt to add another layer of safety. Water shoes can be immensely helpful in preventing slips and falls. They’re great for swimming pools, water parks and even the beach.
Typically, these shoes should cover your entire foot, including the top. The bottoms usually feature thick soles that provide extra traction and protect tender feet from scrapes or cuts.
Adapt Your Pool Rules to Your Situation
Every family is different and has different needs. For example, some people may have varying swimming abilities, or require special care. Bearing that in mind, it is important to be flexible and adapt the rules to your specific situation.
That said, a basic set of rules is very helpful. Here are some ideas to start with:
- The obvious: no running or rough play by the pool.
- Absolutely no diving.
- No child should enter the swimming pool without an adult present.
These guidelines will depend on your own unique situation. Every home, like every family, is different. One family’s needs may be different from another’s.
These are simple ground rules, but they can make a world of difference when it comes to overall safety. To reinforce your rules, consider posting a sign in your yard, just like you’d see at a public community pool.
Above all, setting some guidelines about acceptable pool area behavior can help keep everyone safe. A few rules will help keep the day happy and carefree. For adults, it pays to make sure the other adults agree with your rules and are willing to enforce them. That way you won’t need to stand alone when enforcing the rules.
