Kids love playing in the water, but sometimes playing in pools requires additional safety and security that parents and guardians need to observe.
Often many parents think that giving kids pool floats would suffice, but though these water accessories can provide safety, children still need to know how to properly use them. Using pool floats is a fun and engaging way for kids to enjoy the water. However, ensuring their safety while they use these items is crucial.
Here are practical measures and best practices parents, guardians, and kids can follow to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience when using pool floats for kids.
Always Have Supervision by Adults and Lifeguards
The most fundamental rule for water safety is supervision. Whenever children are in the pool, they should always have a responsible adult watching them. Better yet, pools with lifeguards provide an additional layer of safety, as lifeguards are trained to handle emergencies.
Parents should also remain within arm's reach of younger children, particularly when using kids' pool floats, as these items can sometimes tip or drift unexpectedly.
Use Age-Appropriate and Well-Designed Pool Floats
Not all pool floats are created equal. Choose floats designed specifically for children, ensuring they meet safety standards. Avoid oversized floats that can be difficult for kids to manage. Floats with secure handles or those that support proper buoyancy are safer options.
Additionally, regularly inspect pool floats for damage, such as punctures or weak seams, to avoid sudden deflation.
Teach Kids About Water and Float Safety
Children should understand the basics of water safety. Parents and guardians should teach them to do the following when playing in a pool.
- Stay calm if they fall off a float. Encourage them to practice floating on their backs or treading water.
- Avoid rough play on floats. Roughhousing can lead to accidental slips or overturning.
- Never rely solely on floats for swimming. Pool floats can help kids stay above water, but they are only toys or accessories after all. Reinforce that they are not substitutes for life jackets or swimming skills.
Prepare Kids with Swim Gear
Kids need to have the proper swimming attire and gear if you want them to have fun in the water. Proper swim gear enhances safety and fun. For instance, swimwear means well-fitted swimsuits that can reduce drag and discomfort.
Using goggles can protect kids’ eyes from chlorine and allow them to see clearly underwater. And putting on sunscreen and hats can protect against harmful UV rays, as kids often spend extended periods in the sun while using floats. Hats with wide brims can also shield their faces and necks.
Set Clear Pool Rules
Before kids enter the pool, establish rules for their safety. Some essential rules when using pool floats include:
No diving onto floats.
This can cause injury or destabilize the float.
Stay close to the pool edge if using larger floats.
This minimizes the risk of drifting into deeper waters.
Take breaks.
Spending too much time on floats can lead to fatigue or dehydration. Encourage your kids to take breaks, to prevent dehydration.
Practice Emergency Responses
Kids should be familiar with basic water safety responses. They should know to call for help if someone is struggling in the water. Teach them never to jump in after someone but to throw a floating device instead.
Practicing this response with a throwable float or ring ensures they’re prepared for emergencies.
If they feel they are in distress, they need to know how to signal distress: For example, waving one arm or shouting can alert adults.
Use Pool Floats in Safe Environments
Ensure kids use floats in calm water environments like swimming pools. If at the beach or lake, supervise closely, as tides, currents, and waves can carry floats away quickly. Ensure a float’s tether is securely attached in these environments to prevent drifting.
Make sure that your kids have sufficient swimming skills when swimming in such environments. Swimming lessons provide kids with skills that increase their confidence and safety in the water. They’ll learn essential techniques like floating, treading water, and swimming independently. These skills are invaluable, especially if they accidentally fall off a float.
Be Weather Aware
Weather conditions can significantly impact water safety. Avoid using pool floats during windy days as they can blow away, causing potential risks for kids trying to retrieve them. Similarly, if storms or lightning are forecasted, clear the pool immediately.
Equip the Pool with Safety Tools
Pools should have essential safety equipment. These include rescue floats and life rings, which are crucial for helping someone in distress. Your pool also needs to have pool alarms, which can notify adults if someone enters the pool area unsupervised.
Find Your Kids Pool Floats at Best Buy Pool Supply
Pool floats can amplify the joy of water play for kids, but safety must always come first. We have pool floats for all ages, so you can combine proper supervision, swim training, and preparation to create a secure and fun experience for children.