Every parent wants their child, or children, to be safe. Look in any house where children are and you can find child proofing all over. Especially where children play, and the things they play with. Toys are always checked for age appropriateness, safety hazards, and recalls. One of the most important places to check for safety is the pool. Most parents’ worst fear is drowning, but there are other hazards of pool time play. Cuts, bruises and sometimes choking can all happen from broken, or worn out pool toys.
The same safety rules apply to pool toys that apply to all other toys. Careful planning before purchasing and careful checking before play can prevent many accidents.
When purchasing pool toys, for any child, consider the following tips:
- Use labels, they often give appropriate age recommendations, instructions for appropriate use, and warnings of possible injuries.
- Always select toys appropriate for the age, and skill level of the child you are buying for. Advanced toys may have parts unsafe for a small child.
- Look for and avoid small parts on toys intended for children who still mouth objects.
- Inspect the construction of the toy. All attached parts should be tightly secured. Seams in inflated toys should be tight. Weighted toys that contain sand or other materials should not leak, and overall construction should be sound and sturdy.
Before play be sure all pool toys are in good condition. A good check-over can prevent many accidents.
- Check all seals, plugs, and seams for leaks. Also check for holes. A deflating toy may cause suffocation or choking accidents.
- Check for any edges that may have become exposed on hard plastic toys such as diving sticks. Children can easily get cut on rough plastic edges.
- Check for any mold or mildew that may have grown on the toy from improper storage. Molds and mildews can cause problems for children with allergies as well as causing a variety of illnesses.
- Check to see if any toys are leaking anything that may be inside of them. Some pool toys are weighted with beads that small children may choke on.
Safety should also be considered while playing with pool toys.
- Watch toys to be sure they do not deflate while in use.
- Watch to be sure children to not play with broken toys, remove them as soon as they break to prevent injury.
- Do not rely on "floaties" to protect your child. Arm- band type floatation devices are not approved as life preservers. Also, even a life vest, or life jacket type may malfunction if not used properly.
After pool play, be sure to check toys over once again for possible safety hazards. Also, be sure to store them where they can dry properly to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Even after you have checked all your pool toys and deemed them safe for your children, nothing replaces the careful supervision of an adult. Never leave your child, or children, alone in a pool. Even children as old as twelve have been know to drown while unsupervised.
