If You're Already Hanging Around The Backyard Pool, These Safety Reminders Are A Must

It's pool time, and you're the designated swimmer in the pool with the kids, one of whom is only three. Along the deck of the pool are six adults, eating, drinking, and enjoying the sun. Your three year old has refused a lifejacket, and you don't push it on him believing that he'll be fine... The kids dare you to a cannonball jump, and you relent by setting your three year old on the deck as you go for the big one, thinking there are enough eyes on the pool by those sitting by. But as you emerge from the water, you see your three year old scampering along the deck: he's got his eyes locked on the floating mattress at the edge of the shallow end and he's going for it with everything he's got. Panic ensues, and you can't get your arms and legs moving quickly enough. He leaps onto the mattress, takes a bounce, and plunges into the pool. By the time you get there, he's been under a few seconds, and when you grab him, he's gasping a for air. 

Terrifying?

These scenarios are very likely to happen anytime you get kids around water at varying ages and levels of swimming ability. The key is to have some basic rules ahead of time clearly outlined and adhered to. 

1. Always watch children when they are in or near the pool or spa: If you've got a three year old who's a poor swimmer, you've got to watch him or her at all times. If there are other children in the pool, assign others to watch them at all times; and if that person needs to use the washroom or get some food or a drink, they need to designate someone else. Everyone must be in the know.

2. Teach children basic water safety tips: Does your child understand the reasons behind the rules like "No running on the deck?" or do they just think you're being a drill sergeant? Before they get into the pool, teach them some basic rules, like no running on the deck, no holding others down, no having breathing underwater contests, etc. Go through them and explain that the water is a hazard if safety and precaution are not exercised.

3. Keep kids away from pool drains, pipes, or other openings to avoid entrapment: This is an easy one to miss: A large beetle gets caught in the drain and your son goes to fish it out, setting up the conditions for a possible entrapment scenario. It takes one time, and then you have a catastrophe on your hands. Explain to your kids why that's not ok and remind them if you see them going for it.

4. Have inexperienced or young swimmers wear Red Cross approved life jackets: This may seem silly to some, but it's better to be safe than sorry. If your little one resists wearing one, don't let them in the water until they agree to wear it. Establish it as a normative when the young ones are around the pool. But don't just stick one on and think the kids can go unmonitored--maintain rule #1 above at all times.

5. Swim with a buddy: The number one age group of drowning deaths are adolescent to twenty-somethings; but the next group is those 65 and older. Always swim with a buddy--even if that person is just on the deck. And never let your child swim alone. 

6. Avoid alcohol: It's very natural to sit around the pool and have a few cold ones or a sweaty glass of chardonnay; however, if you're going into the water to swim, this is not advisable, especially if you are watching children: alcohol impairs judgement, balance, and coordination, affects swimming and diving skills, and prevents the body from staying warm. 

7. Have a phone handy: In the age of mobile technology, phones should be ubiquitous--but don't assume as much. How many times do we reach for our phone only to find we've left it in the car, deep in our purses, or in the house? If you're swimming, make sure there is at least one mobile phone in plain view in the event 911 must be called.

8. Enrol in CPR and other safety courses: This may seem like a tough one because it requires work, but it's important to learn, even if you don't own a pool. Being able to save someone's life is a wonderful thing; and all it takes is a little learning.

The most important thing is to stay alert, stay focused, and don't assume that everything will be alright--things can go from good to catastrophic in a heartbeat--or in the time it takes to pull off a cannonball.