As the weather starts to warm up, more and more families are going to be taking their summer vacations and spending time by the pool. While this can be a great way to relax and enjoy some much-needed time off, being near water with little ones also poses a natural risk that you need to be aware of.
Although so many people, including children, die from drowning each year, there are things you can do to mitigate these risks and ensure that you have a memorable vacation for all the right reasons. To show you how this can be done, here are three tips for keeping kids safe around hotel pools.
Only Stay In Hotels Where Pools Are Fenced In
If you have a pool at home, you likely have it fenced in already or have taught your children how and when to avoid going near the pool. But if your children are unfamiliar with being around pools, they might not know how to stay safe around them and could accidentally fall in if they’re not careful.
Because of this, and for legal reasons, you should only stay at hotels that have fenced in pools. According to HealthyChildren.org, a hotel pool should follow certain rules regarding the fence around their pool. For example, the fence should encircle the entire pool and be at least 4-feet high. Additionally, it should have a latching gate that’s high on the gate door and be made up materials that are difficult to climb.
Make Supervision Your Number One Priority
When you have set time aside for your kids to play in the pool at your hotel, it’s your responsibility to make sure your kids are properly supervised. At many hotels, there isn’t a lifeguard on duty, so it’s up to you to either watch your kids yourself or assign someone else to do it.
According to Gina Martinez, a contributor to Time.com, supervising your kids while swimming should be your only priority while they’re in the water. Avoid all other distractions, including conversations with others or being on your phone. And if your kids aren’t strong swimmers, make sure you’re in the water with them at all times.
Be Aware Of Pool Filters
One of the most dangerous parts of a pool is the filter. While it serves to keep the water clean and safe for swimming, it can also be strong enough to suck in things that shouldn’t get caught in the filter, like the strings of a swimming suit or long hair.
To keep your kids safe from strong pool filters, Sally Peck, a contributor to The Telegraph, recommends that you identify where the filter is and show it to your kids. Warn them to stay away from this area. And before they get in the pool, make sure they’re not wearing anything the could get sucked into the filter.
If you’ll be traveling this summer and spending time in hotel pools, consider using the tips mentioned above to help keep your kids safe in this environment.
