Pools are great fun — especially for kids — but they can be dangerous, so it's important to think hard about safety. Here some important pool guidelines to keep children safe:
Never leave your child alone
The most important piece of advice: Regardless of your guppy’s comfort level around water or any swimming classes she’s already taken, you should never, ever leave a child alone in or near any body of water, even for a minute. It only takes a few unsupervised seconds for a little one to drown.
Fence in your pool
Whether you have a large inflatable pool, a freestanding above-ground pool or an in-ground pool, make sure it’s surrounded by a four-sided fence that’s at least 4 feet high. Most accidents occur when a child wanders out of the house and falls into the pool, so make sure the fence doesn’t have any openings that a young child could crawl under, over or through.
Install a secure gate
Opt for a pool gate that self-closes and self-latches (the latch should be well out of your child's reach), and make sure to secure it (preferably with a lock) as soon as kids are done swimming. Never fully rely on a gate to protect your little ones: Older kids do forget to close gates, posing a danger for younger siblings.
Invest in rescue gear
Keep rescue equipment by the pool, including a shepherd's hook (a long pole with a hook on the end) and a life preserver. Always bring your cellphone with you when you go for a splash in case you need to call for help.
Keep your child within arm's reach
The best way to keep little swimmers out of harm’s way is by practicing what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls "touch supervision:" being close enough to reach out and touch your child at all times. Be sure to stay that close even after your tot has swim lessons under his belt — at least until he’s 4 years old. But kids can drown at any age, so be sure to remain vigilant even with older kids.
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Stay above the waterline
You’ll also want to make sure your new swimmer doesn’t inhale water while splashing around (something little ones may do), which could possibly lead to secondary drowning, a rare but serious condition. So try to keep your baby's head well above water at all times, and keep any underwater submersions brief and supervised.
Don't rely on floaties
As long as you're in the water with your child and keep her within reach, water wings and inner tubes are fine. But never use these inflatable swimming aids as a substitute for approved life vests — they're just not reliable or safe enough.
Even if you use approved life jackets, you should always remain within arm's-distance of your little swimmer. As soon as you’re done using the pool, make sure to remove all toys so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
Take swimming and CPR classes
Sign your child up for an age-appropriate swim class. The AAP now gives the green light for starting swim lessons at age 1 if you think your child is ready but suggests discussing it with your pediatrician first. Remember that swim lessons can't drown-proof any child; supervision and barriers remain essential.
It’s also a good idea for you to take a child CPR class if you haven’t already. And familiarize yourself with the signs of drowning in kids. More than likely, you'll never have to worry about that, but knowing what to look for can help save a life.
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