Summer Safety for Sitters: Swimming Pools
Next up in our summer safety series for sitters, we’ve got some swimming pool tips to help keep everyone safe when they go for a dip.
Whether you’re taking the kids over to the local public pool or you’re sitting for a family with a pool of their own, don’t leave the house without making sure you’ve gone through the pool rules with the children. From always wearing sunblock to never running in a pool area, it’s just as important to prepare the children as it is to prepare yourself.
Pool Safety Tips for Sitters
- Keep your eyes on the children at all times, no matter how well they swim.
- When walking into an unfamiliar pool, make special note of the rescue devices (pole, life preserver and rope).
- Tell less experienced swimmers to stay in the shallower end of the pool, not letting the water rise above chest level.
- Keep children away from hot tubs and spas, since children can overheat easily.
- Don’t let children eat or chew gum while swimming — they can choke.
- Don’t allow children to stick their fingers or toes into any grates, drains or filters.
- Don’t answer the phone unless it’s necessary, and keep it very brief.
- Keep your cell phone close by at all times in case it is needed in a hurry.
- When babysitting for a family with a pool, take all of the pool toys out of the water when the children are done swimming, since toys could attract a child to the water.
Emergency Procedures
If a child goes missing:
- Check the pool first. (Seconds count in these situations!)
- Immediately alert the lifeguard so he can use his training during a rescue. If there’s no lifeguard around, get the child out of the pool yourself.
- If the child is not breathing, begin CPR while someone calls 911.
Summer Safety for Sitters Series:
Bee Stings
Burns
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