Pool party season is upon us, whether that’s at your local outdoor pool or a personal one; they can be extremely fun, especially in the hot weather, but can also be pretty dangerous with a small or large group of little ones under the age of 10. Here are a few tips to make sure your little one is having fun in the sun while also staying safe by the pool.
1. Make sure there is more than enough supervision
The more adults keeping an eye on the pool, the better. Generally, there is an unofficial rule of having a 1 adult: 2 children ratio for kids between the ages of 4-7. Even if some adults aren't confident swimmers, they can help supervise the shallow areas while others join in the fun!
2. Summer Sun
By all means have fun in the warm sun, but make sure your little one is fully sun creamed up and reapplying roughly every 2 hours. A covered up swimsuit, like our Bluey unisex children’s swimsuit, may also be a good idea for outside adventures. Make sure to also get a waterproof hat to wear while splashing around.
3. Stay Hydrated
They may be in a pool of water, but it’s even more important to keep them hydrated in a pool setting. Make sure to have a water station going throughout the pool party with water and juices are a good idea so that they can have a drink and then go straight back to the fun. Implementing a water break is also a good idea to ensure that everyone is hydrated.
4. Establish Pool Rules
When you go to your local swimming pool, you have pool rules, so why not in your back garden? By implementing rules such as no running or no rough play, are a ways for you to manage safety around the pool to hopefully reduce unnecessary accidents.
5. Flotation Devices
Everyone loves a pool floaty, they can be really useful for little ones who are just learning to swim, but they can have a false sense of security as well, and we shouldn’t solely rely on them. Little ones should always be supervised while using or wearing flotation devices, as sometimes they can slip off or become ineffective.
If you have really small little ones wandering around the pool, it can be a good idea to put on some armbands or a life jacket, even when they aren’t planning on going in the pool, just in case.
6. Safety Equipment in Reach
This is really important for your home pools. Make sure that you have a nearby reaching pole or rescue hook, these tools can help someone in distress without putting yourself in danger. A first aid kit for minor injuries is also a good thing to have on hand near the poolside, you never know when someone will get a cut or bruise.
7. Teach your littles one some pool facts
Let your little one know about the risks of pool drains and water survival skills like how to float. Knowing this can help to reduce injuries and accidents.
8. Supply Snacks
Next to the water station, set up a snack table with light snacks for your little ones so they can go in and out of the pool quickly without also getting a stomachache from a large meal. Fruit, sliced cucumber, cocktail sausages, and sausage rolls are some good options.
9. Have a Dry Area
Some little ones love the water, others don’t enjoy it all the time so it may be wise to set up a small play area so that the fun doesn’t stop when they are out of the pool. Make sure it’s in a shaded and quiet area so they can really enjoy their time.
10. Have Fun
Make sure you and your little ones are having the best time. Get involved in their games and splash around, just make sure everyone is staying safe and having the best time possible.
We hope this blog becomes useful in the upcoming months, when you next have fun in the sun with your little ones.
Planning your next pool day?
Have a look at our Roy's Boys summer range with ponchos, bucket hats and swimsuits, all with your favourite characters!
Websites used
https://www.swimnow.co.uk/guide/swimming-pool-safety-tips-for-kids/