It’s nearing the end of summer, though the weather outside makes it feel like it just started. And you know what that means. It means that your kids, and all the kids in your neighborhood, are going to jump into the pool every chance they get, at least until fall comes around. If you’re a safety savvy parent, then you know that this means it’s time to review the ways your kids can keep the rest of summer fun while staying safe at the pool. After all, you never know what types of accidents can come along, and you’ve got to be prepared to be the adult in the situation every time, even if it makes you uncool. Here are some of the best ways that you can keep things fun, exciting, and safe for the remainder of the summer.
Have safe games already set up around and in your pool so that kids are less tempted to make up games to amuse themselves. Make sure that you already know that these games are safe for pool play and that they are verified as safe by the manufacturer. You should also test the games and all the components and toys to make sure that they are up to your standards of safety before you hand them over to kids.
Be a lifeguard first, a fun friend second. You don’t have to sit on the edge of the pool and stare at your children menacingly while they are playing in the pool to make them be safe. In fact, you can join in the revelry. Or you can simply sit nearby with a book, if that’s more your style. The point is to make sure that you are there. But your kids will be more likely to enjoy your presence if they feel you are there to engage with them and play with them rather than just there to keep them under your thumb.
Give your kids a time limit in the pool, but offer up something else instead of just cutting the fun short. Offer your kids the opportunity to have a water balloon fight, to play sports games in the backyard or at the park, or to engage in some other activity. That way, you keep them from getting too tired or too rowdy in the pool and but don’t make them feel like they can’t have fun.
The Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. hopes everyone enjoys the rest of the summer season!