Lifesavers: Essential Poolside Tips

4 essential tips for “back-to-pool” season

By Melanie Heimburg

The sun was scorching and the lake was sparkling (if slightly greenish). It was the perfect lunch stop on our long road trip. I sat atop a short drop-off, legs dangling above the water while my younger brother ran around the foliage, throwing twigs, a much-needed way to let off steam after hours in the car (this was pre-mobile DVD days).

Suddenly, I heard his shoes slip on the small pebbles. A streak of blond hair zoomed past me, down the steep slope, into the water. I watched, mouth agape, as he kicked, paddled (just like he learned in those mommy-and-me swim classes), and tried to get back on land. But he couldn’t. I screamed for my parents.

He was fine. (Still is.) My mom jumped into that green water faster than Superwoman. But not all stories end happily. According to the CDC and the Drowning Prevention Foundation of California (DPF), one in four fatal drowning victims is younger than 14, and 50% of those victims drown in residential pools. While the numbers are frightening, parents can easily empower themselves and their kids to prevent accidents:

1. Layer protection
   The DPF recommends a holistic approach to water safety. Layers of protection should include a well maintained fence, powered safety pool covers, an alarm system, and swim lessons.
   
2. Remember: swim lessons save lives
   While swim instruction cannot drown-proof kids, a new study published in The Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine suggests children ages 1 to 4 who have swim lessons are significantly less likely to drown.
   
3. Be rescue-ready
   Most children learn to swim well at 5-6 years old, but children at all ages should always be supervised, with rescue equipment on hand. DPF notes flotation toys should never be considered life-saving devices for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
   
4. Raise a safer water baby
   Even children as young as 6 months can be taught to float on their backs and call for help. Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) teaches this skill, reporting a 100% safety record in 788 documented cases of children avoiding drowning by using this method. For more information about ISR, check out this month's online exclusives.