5 Safety Tips your kids MUST know about Pools & Waterparks

Heading to the pool or waterpark is always a fun and exciting day. No matter what pool or water park you go to, these 5 must-know safety tips will help you and your family have a safe and splash-tastic time!

Tip 1: Always swim with a buddy while a lifeguard is on duty.

Swimming with a buddy is not just about having a good time, it's also about water safety. When swimming with someone you know, there is another person who can call a lifeguard should an emergency arise.

Lifeguards are trained professional rescuers whose primary responsibiliy is to prevent emergencies from occuring. Should an emergency arise, Lifeguards would know which care to provide to help save or sustain a life. Swimming under a lifeguard's supervision is another added layer of protection while enjoying a pool or waterpark with your friends and family.

Tip 2: Always look at the lifeguard when they blow their whistle. Be sure to follow their directions.

A lifeguard most often uses a whistle as a way to get a swimmer's attention when they need to communicate water safety rules. Lifeguards also use whistles in the event of an emergency, such as a rescue needing to be performed or having to clear the pool due to thunder and lightning. Regardless of the reason why the lifeguard blows their whistle, your response should be the same:

Every time you hear a whistle blow, it's important to
​stop, stand up, and look at the lifeguard.

​Sometimes it's hard to tell if the lifeguard is trying to get your attention. By looking at the lifeguard, you will be able to recognize if the lifeguard is speaking to you. Even if the lifeguard is not speaking to you, you should pay close attention to what the guard is saying becuase you might learn something new.

Tip 3: Know where the lifeguard office is and who to ask for help in case of an emergency.

An emergency can be a very stressful situation for adults and children. It's important to take a tour of the facility with your kids to locate the lifeguard station and stands prior to jumping in!

This will teach your swimmers where to go and who they should go to in the event that someone needs help. Teach your children then when they ask a lifeguard for help it's important to tell the lifeguard their name and what happened.

Tip 4: Look before you jump in.

Sometimes pool and waterparks can be very busy, while other times it seems like your family has the whole place to themselves. Regardless of the number of people at the facility, it's always important to look and be aware of your surroundings before you jump in.

​The two most important things to look for are:

• Check the depth of the pool by looking at the markers. Swimmers should play in chest-deep water.
• Make sure the areas are free of people and obstacles.

Tip 5: Become familiar with any specific facility rules and be sure to follow them.

Every facility's rules are slightly different due to the structures and attractions on sight. For example, a facility with a water slide would have additional regulations than a facility without a waterslide. Knowing and understanding the rules of each attraction will help swimmers make water-safe decisions when swimming.

You can usually find the pool rules listed on the sign when you first arrive at the facility. Most of the time, facilities have specific rules posted near each attraction. Be sure to review it with your swimmers before they start playing.

What to learn more tips on how to teach your children about water safety?
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