Pool Safety Discussions
Are you a parent? If you are, pool safety should be at the front of your mind, even if your backyard isn’t home to a swimming pool. Why? Because pools are everywhere, even if not necessarily in your yard. For that reason, there may come a point in time when you need to discuss pool safety with a close and loved relative, but how do you do so?
Before focusing on ways that you can discuss pool safety with a relative, it is important to examine the situations that may call for a discussion. If you are the parent of young children, you may need a night off. Often times, we call upon a trusted relative to do the watching. Does that relative have a swimming pool? If so, you should be concerned, as should your family member. This is particularly true if your child will be staying overnight.
Nighttime pool accidents have the potential to be deadly. This is because children unfamiliar with the layout of a property can easily find themselves in the middle of a swimming pool, especially one that isn’t protected by a safety fence. Nighttime pool accidents are also dangerous because most adults are fast asleep. They may not hear a child leave the room, home, or even fall into the pool. That is why if you have concerns, you have every right to make them known.
As previously stated, you may not have your own swimming pool. If you do, your child should already be educated on the importance of pool safety, but talk to the adult who will be watching your child in your home. If you want the swimming pool to be off-limits, make it known. If you allow your child and their caregiver to swim, be sure to set strict rules and restrictions. This includes never leaving your child unattended, under any circumstances. Other rules include making sure the pool cover is properly placed on and making sure that the pool gate is closed and securely locked.
One of the best ways to discuss pool safety with a relative is to outright do so. With this approach, however, many parents are worried about offending the person in question. Of course, this is a valid concern, but remember that the safety and wellbeing of your child is more important. Parents are always encouraged to trust their instincts. If you fear a problem, discuss pool safety steps and prevention measures with your child’s caregiver.
Although many states require that a pool fence be installed around a swimming pool, not all pool owners have them set up. If that is the case at the home of your child’s caregiver for the night, make your concerns known. Although you can’t expect them to buy a pool fence and have it installed by your visit, work on other safety measures. These measures may include locking all doors or using baby gates to temporarily block off all exits to the home.
As a reminder, whether you are having a relative watch your child for an hour or overnight, pool safety should always be an issue when a swimming pool can be found nearby. Always be sure to voice your concerns, no matter what type of reaction you fear will be generated. You should also have the same conversation with other caregivers, such as family friends and paid babysitters.
