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Swimming pools can be a fun place to spend the summer. By making sure that your children follow a few simple rules the swimming pool will be as safe as it is fun.
The best time to start talking about pool rules is before you even think about going swimming. If you sit down the day or night before and discuss your rules for the pool it will be more effective than trying to get them all in when the kids are in their suits waiting to jump off the diving board. As part of your discussion, make sure your children understand that the rules are to keep them safe. They also need to understand that if the rules are broken there will be serious consequences.
Before you begin this discussion you need to know the rules that the swimming pool has set for its patrons. Call your local pool and ask for a list of their rules. Right them down so that you do not forget any. If there are any you rules that you would like to add now would be the time to do it. After you understand and have a list of all the rules gather your children around the table or anywhere away from the TV and go over them. Depending on the age of your children you may have some questions to answer. It might also be a good idea to keep a copy of the rules in your pool bag if they are not listed at the pool. Young children are often forgetful. If the rules you want them to follow are posted and visible they will have a constant reminder of how they are to behave. If you are at a public pool and the rules are posted make sure you take time to read and go over them with your children.
The pool can be a very fun but dangerous place. You should not spend much time asking your children to follow the rules. If your children are having a difficult time listening then you may need to have a time-out seat or leave the pool entirely. If you are swimming at a public pool you have to be considerate of the other people around trying to swim and following the rules. You have to be concerned with the safety of everyone at the pool. If your child is not following the rules he or she could seriously hurt someone who is.
If you are going to a public pool and there is a lifeguard on duty that does not mean that you are free to stick your head in a magazine and not pay attention to your kids. Your children are your responsibility. The lifeguard is there to help you make sure they stay safe. Position your chair so that you can see your children at all times. If you are taking the kids to the pool by yourself save the reading for later. If you have adult company then take turns keeping an eye on the children. The goes for taking naps as well. Only close your eyes to rest if you have someone with you that is watching the kids.
If you are at a private pool it is completely your responsibility to watch your children. The rules for a private pool should be the same. Absolutely no running. If it is a shallow pool there should be no diving. Only use flotation devises if there is a separate area in the pool. You do not want children to get stuck under them. If there is a diving board there should be no running on that either. Both the diving board and the side of the pool are very slippery when wet. It is also a good idea to have a one jump rule on the diving board. If your children are jumping up and down over and over they will have a better chance of slipping or losing their balance.
No matter what your rules are you have to make sure they are followed. No one at the pool is safe if your children are not following the rules
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