These are the top 10 swimming safety tips and pool rules everyone should know. Learn, and apply these safety measures for a safe swim season.
As a father and pool owner, I understand the joy and worry of seeing our kids play in the pool. Laughter and splashes are part of our summer routines, but so is the concern for our children’s safety. We have a responsibility to ensure their safety.
To keep our children safe while playing in the pool, we must teach them safety rules. Do you remember that sign at the public pool that said no running or no food around the pool? Well, it contained more than that.
Don’t worry if you forgot some of the rules. I’ve compiled this list of the 10 safety rules every swimmer should follow. They are the 10 commandments for swimmers. And it would help if you were responsible for ensuring every little swimmer knows pool safety.
Moreover, I’ve listed another 10 rules every pool owner should follow. Because when you have a pool in your backyard, it’s your responsibility that swimmers stay safe.
So, grab a buoy, and let’s dive right in!
Not sure which pool safety device you need? Explore my list of the must-have pool safety devices when you have children. This carefully curated guide is the result of numerous hours of research and my own experience as a dad and pool owner.
🤗 Transparency Statement: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, I only promote products I trust. Thanks for your support!
The 10 Safety Rules for Swimmers
- Always Have a Swimming Companion: Swimming alone is a big no-no. It’s important because accidents can happen without warning. Having someone there could make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. The Red Cross
states that a lack of supervision is common in drowning incidents. - No Breath-Holding Competitions: Breath-holding games may seem fun but can lead to hypoxia and unconsciousness. The CDC warns that these activities can be deadly, even among physically fit swimmers. I remember hearing about a boy in our community who lost consciousness during a breath-holding competition. His friend noticed and alerted nearby adults, potentially saving his life.
- No Horseplay: Horseplay in the pool can lead to injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that such behavior is a leading cause of serious poolside injuries. Plus, it’s like the story of the boy who cried wolf too many times. It can distract attention from a real situation.
- Wear the Life Jacket: Life jackets are a lifesaver, literally. They’re essential for weaker swimmers and children. The CDC reports that life jackets could prevent half of all boating-related drownings. There’s no shame in wearing a life jacket when others don’t.
- Enter Feet-First Entry into the Water: Entering water feet first is crucial to avoid head or spinal injuries. Diving accidents are a major cause of spinal injuries. Almost every year, I see stories on the news about people diving into a shallow pool, resulting in lifelong spinal injury or death.
- Stay Away from Pool Drains: Pool drains can pose a serious risk due to suction entrapment. The CPSC has reported incidents of swimmers being trapped underwater by the suction of pool drains. I rented a vacation home with a hot tub a couple of weeks ago. While my daughter was underwater doing the mermaid, I realized the drain was exactly where her long hair was going (near the bottom). I manage to intervene quickly and tell her about the danger and consequences. I’m glad I was in there with her.
- Stay into Designated Areas: Designated areas ensure swimmers stay within a safe depth. According to the American Red Cross, non-swimmers venturing into deep water are a significant cause of drownings. I once strayed from the shallow end and panicked. No lifeguard was on there to intervene. After 15 minutes of swimming again, current like a madman, I managed to reach the shore. It was a stark reminder of the importance of designated areas.
- Never Attempt a Water Rescue Beyond Your Capabilities: While our instinct might be to jump in to help, untrained rescuers can become victims themselves. The American Lifeguard Association emphasizes the importance of proper training for water rescues. My neighbor tried to save a struggling swimmer and ended up needing rescue himself, reinforcing the need for professional intervention.
- Walking, Not Running, is Mandatory: This is a classic but for good reasons. Running on the pool deck can lead to slips and falls. The National Safety Council includes running by the pool in its list of common causes of poolside accidents. My son learned this the hard way when he slipped and ended up with stitches.
- Always Look into the Water Before Jumping: Looking before jumping can prevent collisions with other swimmers. According to the World Health Organization (link to PDF), jumping or diving into crowded pools is a common cause of serious injuries.
Now, let’s go over how to make our backyard pool safe for all the little Nemos and Dorys!
The 10 Safety Rules for Pool Owners (You)
- Always Supervise Children in the Water: Active supervision is a must when kids are in the water. The CDC states that lack of supervision is a significant factor in child drownings. A family in our neighborhood experienced a close call when their toddler fell into the pool during a family gathering. Quick intervention by a watchful adult prevented a tragedy.
- Keep Inexperienced Swimmers Within Arm’s Reach: Staying close to inexperienced swimmers can prevent accidents. The Red Cross emphasizes this rule for child water safety. My cousin once slipped into deeper water, but because his father was within arm’s reach, he was quickly pulled to safety.
- Provide Enough Life Jackets for Swimmers: Life jackets are crucial for inexperienced swimmers. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, their approved life jackets have saved many lives. A friend’s daughter was once swept away by a current at a lake but stayed afloat thanks to her life jacket.
- Do Not Substitute Adult Supervision with Recreational Water Toys: Water wings and swim rings can’t replace proper supervision. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that these devices can provide a false sense of security. I recall a parent at our local pool relying on a swim ring, only for her child to slip through it and start struggling. I was shocked to learn that some parents didn’t know better. I guess she had to learn the hard way.
- Equip Your Pool with Necessary Safety Gear: Providing safety gear like a buoy and safety hook can help in an emergency. I have created a rack beside the pool deck, just at the entrance, so anyone walking into the pool area can see it. Safety gear for the pool also includes pool alarms and fences, which can prevent unsupervised access to the pool. Also, covering drains prevents entrapment incidents. The CPSC has reported numerous incidents of swimmers being trapped by the suction of uncovered drains.
- Abstain From Alcohol Consumption During Kids’ Swim Time: Alcohol impairs judgment and response times, making supervision ineffective. You’ll never forgive yourself if an incident happens on your watch while you had a few beers.
- Learn the Life-Saving Skill of CPR: CPR can be a lifesaver in a water emergency. The American Heart Association cites that CPR performed immediately can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival. The Red Cross has many CPR videos on its Youtube Channel. Please go check it out!
- Teach Water Safety to Your Kids: Teaching water safety rules help children protect themselves. According to the Red Cross, early swim lessons reduce drowning risk. My own kids, after their lessons, have a better understanding of how to stay safe while swimming.
- Apply Sunscreen To Your Kids: Sunscreen prevents skin damage and cancer. The American Cancer Society highlights its importance, especially during peak sunlight hours. I remember when my daughter got a painful sunburn during a long day at the pool. A clear reminder of the importance of regular sunscreen application.
- Do Regular Maintenance Inspection: You can prevent injuries by inspecting the pool area for damage or loose equipment. How often did you see “funny” videos of people breaking the diveboard or falling from the water slide? These incidents can lead to serious injuries. It’s funny until it happens to you.
But remember, our kids learn from us. So let’s be the change we want to see in our backyard.
Conclusion: Making a Splash Without Taking a Tumble
The safety rules we’ve covered are more than just suggestions. They’re essential practices for every swimmer and pool owner. Statistics and expert advice back every one of these rules. Your kid needs you. Let’s set a strong example and teach them to be safe in the water.
Finally, as we dive into the pool season, let’s make safety our number one priority. Because the only splashes we want to see are those of joy and laughter, not those caused by worry or regret.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe.
Happy swimming, everyone!
P.S. Want to know which pool alarm is most suitable for you and your swimming area? Check out this list of the best pool alarms. It will help you know exactly which one to pick!
Whether you want to add a pool alarm system to an inground pool, an above-ground pool, or even a spa, this guide contains the safest pool alarms.