TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021
A backyard pool can provide hours of fun, along with a fantastic way to cool off after a soccer game or yard work. However, pools also come with the potential risk for tragic accidents. Generally, homeowners are aware of fencing requirements for backyard pools that keep children out when no one is paying attention. It is also important to be aware of safe swimming practices. Homeowners should keep the following three safety tips in mind to ensure kids stay safe in your backyard pool. 
Enroll Your Kids in Swimming Lessons
You may think your children will just learn to swim by being in your backyard pool, but it is really best to enroll them in swimming lessons provided by safety-certified instructors. Not only will be they learn the basics of swimming, but they will also be taught safety lessons. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting swimming lessons for children between the ages of one and four. Although a one year old will not learn to swim independently because they don't have the muscle development yet, they can learn swimming readiness skills. Safety skills, such as kicking to return to the surface and getting to the wall after jumping or falling in, can also be learned at a very young age.
Pool Toys are Not Safety Devices
Although pool noodles and rafts can help a non-swimmer have fun in the water, they shouldn't be mistaken for safety devices. It is important that a caregiver keep a close eye on a non-swimmer even if they have a floatation toy keeping them above water. The general rule is to be within touching distance of a non-swimmer at all times. Even children wearing personal floatation devices, such as a life jacket, need to be closely supervised at all times. A life jacket keeps the body up in the water, but doesn't ensure that the face is out of the water. Although the risk of drowning is reduced when wearing a lifejacket, it is not eliminated.
Remember That Guests May Not Have the Same Skills
One advantage of having a backyard swimming pool is the ability to invite friends over to go swimming too. Kids love to have friends come swimming with them. Keep in mind that although your six year old may be an independent and confident swimmer, their friend may not be able to swim at all. Learn about a child’s skill level from a parent and then observe for yourself to determine how close you need to be while the friend is swimming. While it may be okay to sit on a deck chair when your child is in the pool, you may find you have to be in the pool or at the edge when they have a friend swimming. Remember, non-swimmers should be within touching distance of an adult.
Following these three safety tips allows you and your family to enjoy splashing around in the water with safety in mind.
Safety isn’t just for the backyard. Call McFarlin Insurance Agency at 410-312-7800 for more information on Columbia home insurance.
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