Pool Safety Tips for Toddlers

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When it comes to swimming pools, toddlers seem right at home. The comfort level in the water at that age is often much higher than we, as parents, would want it to be. They almost seem too brave at times… jumping in without a care in the world. Although it is nice to see them unafraid of the water, we still have to be very careful. Toddlers drown every single summer and it is much easier than you might think. It only takes a momentary lapse in attention to have your toddler in serious trouble in a swimming pool. So how do we keep toddlers safe around a swimming pool? Here are some tips to keep your summer water fun safe:

Pool Safety Tips for Toddlers

Never leave them alone

 No matter how well your toddler might swim or how shallow the water, you have to assume they will do the unexpected. Because of this, you should never leave them alone near a swimming pool. This goes for any body of water. Toddlers are braver than you think and can quickly find themselves in trouble without supervision. This rule is the supreme of pool safety tips. Always be there and be paying attention.

Secure the pool for when you are not around

Although your toddler might be with you and by your side every minute of the day, your neighbor’s toddler might not be. There are countless reasons why you should make your pool inaccessible to kids, but simple safety is the best one. If they can’t get to the water, they can’t hurt themselves in the pool. No matter how big or small your pool is, enclose it for the good of kids period. Lock it up and only open it for those times when you are there to supervise.

Keep at least a hand on your toddler at all times

If you are hanging out on the edge of the pool or in the pool itself, you need to be sure you can reach your child right away. The best way to ensure this is to keep a hand on them at all times. This rule of thumb is the best way to ensure that your toddler is safe in the pool. Bottom line….your kid can drown in a matter of moments. You need to be close enough to save them faster than that. Keep your hands on them at all times and be invested in your time in the pool with them. This is not the time to be distracted.

Don’t allow running around the water

Although drowning is a big concern around swimming pools, more accidents occur on the edges of the water than anywhere else. Don’t let your toddler horse play, run and jump around the edges of the pool. When it comes to pool safety tips, this alone will do a ton towards keeping them safe from harm.

Eliminate clutter from the edges of the pool

With toys laying around and all kinds of clutter, it is very easy to trip and have accidents. One of the easiest pool safety tips is to clean up your swimming area after each use and always watch out for hidden dangers. These types of accidents are just as dangerous as the ones inside the pool and can be easily overlooked.

Use a life vest

 This does not mean to go out and buy them some arm floats. Those things are terrible when it comes to safety. Instead, invest in a good, quality life vest that is made for their age group and size. This is not a substitute for your attention and being there, but it can be useful during those times when you are relaxing in the water. Spend some time without the vest as well so they can learn to swim. Teaching them at a young age is a very good idea.

Take a life saving course in CPR

Despite your best efforts, things can happen. It is vital that you know what to do in the case of an emergency. Knowing how to save someone that has been under the water is a skill that is worth it’s weight in gold. The one time you need it will be life changing. If you never use it, then you will still be blessed for being safe.

Following these pool safety tips will help ensure that your little ones stay safe during their water-time fun!

Do you have any pool safety tips we forgot?

12 thoughts on “Pool Safety Tips for Toddlers”

  1. Great tips! I will share this post so other can be reminded to be safe with young kids around water. Our 2yo totally fits your description of “more comfortable around water than I would really like him to be”.

  2. Savannah miller

    These are all great tips. I signed my 6 and 3 year old up for swimming lessons they start on Monday (6/9). I”m hoping they go over all the safety rules with my kiddos I tell them, but I think when someone else says it they listen better!

  3. These are great tips and suggestions. If you have a swimming pool at home, you should also make sure that you have a phone (preferably a working land line) near the pool. The phone should be used for emergencies only.

    Remember your child usually won’t be able to tell you if they are drowning so you should make sure that your watching them closely at all times or be in the the pool with them.

    Most parents often let their child play in floaties, the devices are great but they are more like a crutch. They can easily become deflated and if your child doesn’t know how to swim, they could potentially drown.

    Great post, thank you for sharing.

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