Pool Safety: How To Keep Kids Safe in the Water

On a hot day, nothing hits quite like a dip in the pool.

Swimming is fun. It’s great exercise. And kids create core memories spending their days playing hours-long games of Sharks and Minnows.

But pool safety is key, says pediatrician Richard So, MD.

“If you have a pool or will be visiting a pool or a natural body of water with kids, knowing how to keep them safe is quite literally lifesaving,” he advocates.

Best tips for swimming pool safety

Keeping kids safe in and around pools comes down to developing swimming skills, having proper adult supervision and creating a safe swimming environment.

Pool safety is of utmost importance. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death in children between the ages of 1 and 4 in the United States, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Here’s what you need to know to minimize the risks and enjoy maximum poolside fun.

1. Build swim skills

Swimming is a skill — an important one.

“I consider swimming to be an essential life skill for everyone,” Dr. So emphasizes. “Kids who know how to swim can stay safer in the water. It’s also a confidence boost and gives them more social opportunities.”

Think about it: Kids who can’t swim can get left out at swimming parties and are forced to sit on the sidelines during trips to the pool or beach.

The AAP suggests that most kids should start learning to swim by the time they’re 4 years old. Earlier swim lessons are in order if you own a pool, live near water or have a boat. And if you don’t know how to swim, it’s never too late.

Swimming lessons don’t make your kid invincible. Following all other pool safety best practices is still important.

“Swim lessons are helpful, but kids are still vulnerable in the pool,” Dr. So reminds us. “Over-confidence in their abilities can be a dangerous thing.”

2. Stay vigilant

Always (always!) supervise children when they’re in or near water. Even if there’s a lifeguard on duty, you’re still ultimately in charge.

“A designated adult should be paying attention to kids at all times when they’re in the pool,” Dr. So stresses. “Kids left unsupervised is the biggest risk for children to have a drowning event.”

It may seem like obvious advice. But think of how chaotic things can get at a public pool or a backyard birthday party when a throng of kids rush to the pool. It’s not always easy to be eyes-on all the time.

Nominate a designated grown-up (who can swim well!) to be in charge of your child. While they’re on “water watcher” duty, they shouldn’t be distracted. That means:

• No screens or books
• No deep conversations with others
• No alcohol
• No leaving for a snack or bathroom break without tagging in an adult to replace them

If your child doesn’t have strong swimming skills yet, a trusted adult should be in the pool with them, providing hands-on support.

3. Choose swim safety gear

There’s no shortage of products you can buy that give the illusion of pool safety. (And those little blowup floaties on a toddler’s arms? Adorable!)

But remember, pool toys aren’t the same as pool safety devices. Don’t rely on floats, rafts, pool noodles or inflatable-anything to keep your kid safe in the pool.

“The only safety gear you can trust are U.S. Coast Guard-approved gear,” Dr. So states.

Again, even with a proper life jacket, kids should be properly supervised in the pool.

4. Know first aid

Would you know what to do in a drowning incident? If not, it’s time to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

For any swimming session, make sure there’s an adult present who knows CPR.

“That’s especially important if you’re going to someone else’s house or dropping your kids off at a swim party,” Dr. So says. “It’s also a great idea to learn it yourself.”

And remember, the first step before starting CPR is to call emergency services (911 in the United States).

5. Take breaks

Pool time is fun, but it can be tiring. When kids get tuckered out, pool time can get more dangerous.

Take regular breaks to give their little arms and legs a chance to rest. During those breaks, they should also:

• Hydrate. You don’t realize how much you sweat when you’re in the water. Replenish those fluids. “A dehydrated child will have less energy than a child who’s well-nourished and well-hydrated,” Dr. So points out.
• Use the bathroom. Consider this your reminder that peeing in the pool isn’t a good idea. Teach your kids to get out of the pool when they have to go — and encourage them to use the bathroom during breaks.
• Reapply sunscreen. Ideally, you should apply water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) at least 30 minutes before taking a dip, and every hour or so after. “Even if the sunscreen says it lasts longer, don’t expect it to stand up to the pool as long as advertised,” Dr. So advises.

6. Set up a safe pool environment

Responsible pool ownership is no joke. If you have a pool, keep these safety precautions top of mind:

• Limit jumping opportunities. Having a chair or table near the edge of the pool can be tempting to kids who want to use it as a makeshift diving board.
• Cover the drains. Kids can get their hair or swim trunks caught in pool drains.
• Deflate small pools. When they’re not in use, inflatable pools should be emptied and taken down. That ensures kids can’t use them without your supervision.
• Enforce the rules. When friends come to visit, make sure they know what’s allowable and not. Remember: Your pool, your rules — all with safety in mind.

If you have an in-ground pool, there are other considerations, too. Like making sure it’s securely fenced in.

“The fence should be at least four feet high all around the pool and should have a self-latching gate,” Dr. So states.

And check your fence to make sure it’s not easy to climb. Look for handholds, footholds and any furniture or toys stacked too close. That can keep curious kids from hopping the fence when you’re not looking.

So, get out there. Make those poolside memories. And keep it safe.