Pool Safety for Kids and Toddlers: Simple Steps to Ensure a Safe Summer

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, and nothing says summer like spending time at the pool. However, it’s important to remember that pools can also pose serious risks, especially for children and toddlers. PHI Cares & PHI Air Medical want our communities to stay safe this summer because emergencies can happen where you least expect them. Here are some simple steps and pool safety tips that will only take a minute and can help you keep your kids safe around pools and spas.

Water Safety: Supervise Children

Supervision is the most crucial step in promoting the safety of children around water and how to keep toddlers safe in the pool. Always maintain close supervision when children are in or near water. Appoint an adult as the designated supervisor, whose sole responsibility is to watch over the children in the water without distractions like reading or using a phone. It’s also wise to keep a phone nearby for emergencies and to check the pool first if a child goes missing.

Even with a lifeguard on duty, parents and caregivers should remain vigilant and take an active role in supervising their children. Lifeguards have many responsibilities and may not always be able to give individual attention to every child. By prioritizing active supervision, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a fun, safe swimming experience for everyone. 

Teach Children to Swim

Swimming is a valuable skill that can save lives. Enroll your children in swimming lessons, which are often available through local community centers, swimming clubs, and recreational programs. These lessons not only teach essential swimming techniques but also instill confidence and safety awareness in young swimmers.

Swimming lessons should start at an early age. Programs designed for infants and toddlers help them become comfortable in the water and teach basic water safety principles. These foundational skills are crucial for their safety as they grow older and spend more time in and around water.

Understand Pool Drains

Educate your children about the dangers of pool drains and the importance of staying away from them. Especially in older pools and spas, drains can create strong suction that can trap hair, limbs, or clothing, leading to dangerous situations. Ensure that all pool and spa drains have secure, compliant covers. If a drain cover is broken or missing, the pool should not be used until it is fixed.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was established to address these hazards, requiring that all public pools and spas have drain covers that meet specific safety standards. Regularly inspecting these covers can prevent accidents and provide a safer environment.

Implement Safety Measures

Installing proper safety devices around your pool can significantly enhance safety. Fences, barriers, alarms, and covers are essential components. A fence around the pool area should be at least four feet high and designed so that children cannot climb over it. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. Additionally, door alarms can alert you if someone enters the pool area unexpectedly.

Pool covers add another layer of protection, especially when the pool is not in use. By implementing these safety measures, you can create a secure environment that prevents unsupervised access to the pool. 

Learn CPR

Being prepared to respond in an emergency is critical. Learn how to perform CPR on both children and adults, as bystanders are often the first to provide aid in a drowning incident. CPR training is available through various organizations, including hospitals, community centers, and the American Red Cross. Keeping your CPR certification up-to-date ensures you are ready to act effectively if needed. Knowing CPR can make you a valuable resource in an emergency, enabling you to provide immediate assistance until professional help arrives.

Take the Pool Safely Pledge

Before you head to the pool with your family, consider taking the Pool Safely Pledge. This pledge is a commitment to practicing essential water safety steps and raising awareness within your community. By pledging, you join a collective effort to prevent drowning and promote safe swimming practices.

Take the Pool Safely Pledge Here

The Pool Safely Pledge serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety and encourages both adults and children to take responsibility for their actions around water. By participating, you help create a culture of safety that benefits everyone.

PHI Air Medical: A Leader in Safety

PHI Air Medical is dedicated to the safety and well-being of our community members. With experienced crews and a leadership position in safety, we respond to emergencies with expertise and professionalism. Our goal is to respond swiftly and effectively when emergencies occur.

PHI Air Medical operates with a focus on safety, training, and readiness. Our teams are equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, providing critical care and transport when it is needed most. We are committed to serving our communities and ensuring that high-quality medical care is always available.

Join PHI Cares for Peace of Mind

To further promote the safety and peace of mind of your loved ones, consider joining PHI Cares. This air ambulance membership program protects families from any out-of-pocket costs in an air medical emergency. PHI Cares Membership relieves your entire household of unexpected expenses in a medical emergency when flown by PHI Air Medical air ambulance team.

Stay Safe

By following these safety tips and being proactive, you can ensure a fun and safe summer for your children around pools and spas. Summer should be a time of joy and relaxation, not tragedy. With a few simple precautions and a commitment to safety, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your children to enjoy the water. Educate yourself and your family about water safety and equip your pool area with the necessary safety devices and protocols to keep your toddlers and children safe.

PHI Air Medical is committed to the well-being of our community, providing the support and resources needed to stay safe this summer. Join PHI Cares today and take the first step toward a worry-free summer, knowing that you and your loved ones are protected.

Stay safe, stay vigilant, and enjoy the water responsibly.