Water safety tips for parents
Try these tips for a safe, fun summer by the pool.
- Put your children in swim lessons. Make sure they can tread water.
- Have children shower before swimming. Washing off dirt and germs helps keep the water safe for everyone.
- Supervise your children. Avoid distractions, and keep non-swimmers within arm’s reach. If you are with other parents you know, take turns watching the children.
- Remind children not to swallow water. Even treated pool water can contain germs.
- Dry their ears with a towel. Have your children tilt their heads to drain their ears, then dry them. This helps to prevent ear infections.
Reviewed 2/27/2024
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Healthy Swimming: Backyard Pools.” https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/safe-swimming-week/feature.html.
- Safe Kids Worldwide. “Open Water Safety Checklist.” https://www.safekids.org/checklist/open-water-safety-checklist.