Has the sunshine made you ready to jump in the water? Are your children already begging you to bring them to the swimming pool? It is only a matter of time before we are all ready to be poolside or floating in the water, that’s for sure. With the current warmer weather and the fun of summer activities right around the corner, good times are waiting at the family pools in Kansas City. That means it is now more important than ever to consider how to keep your children safe in the pool. Continue reading to review some essential water safety tips.
#1.) ALWAYS SWIM USING THE BUDDY SYSTEM
Even though most swimming pools and many outdoor swimming areas have lifeguards, if you are going swimming you should still have a swimming buddy. There are numerous scenarios where you may find that you need another person. You could become tired, you may have a leg or stomach cramp, or you might become dizzy from holding your breath as you swim.
Even good swimmers occasionally have some of these issues occur while they are swimming. The buddy who swims with you may be able to help you or they can call someone else for additional assistance, if needed. Plus, even though this tip may be a precautionary one, swimming with others is just double the fun!
#2.) DON’T SWIM DURING BAD WEATHER
Never swim in outside pools during a thunderstorm. You have probably heard this before and there are good reasons. Lightning often strikes water, which conducts electricity and can seriously harm or kill those in the water. It is important to look for signs of impending stormy weather like dark clouds, wind, thunder and lightning before going swimming. You never want to be caught unaware while already in the pool if you can help it.
#3.) LOOK BEFORE YOU JUMP OR DIVE
Always be aware of your surroundings as you approach the water. When first entering, make sure you pay attention to the depth of the point you are planning to enter. If you are not certain of that depth, it is always best to enter slowly. Sometimes the appearance of depth in the water is deceiving and looks deeper than it actually is. Do not dive in because this can lead to severe injury. Instead, it is always best to enter feet first.
In addition, always make sure you have looked around for others who are already in the water. Even though there may not be anyone right in front of you as you are getting ready to jump in, you must look to the sides as well in order to see if someone is approaching swimming. People can move quickly underwater while they are swimming, and they can do so very quietly. Both you and the other swimmer can be significantly hurt if you collide when you are jumping into the water.
#4.) BE AWARE OF YOUR OWN LIMITS
Don’t be overly confident. Oftentimes, there may have been quite a while between the warm summer months when most swimming occurs. Be certain you take time to refresh your skills. If you begin to feel tired or sore, take a break and rest. Never work your body more than it can take. Remember, this is meant to be fun! Swimming is a cardio exercise, so make sure that you are aware of your limitations in that regard as well.
Another important item to remember is, if you see a struggling swimmer, throw them a life vest or another safety object such as a pool noodle or other stick to help pull them safely to the side. If you do not have on a life vest, swimming to help another person can put both of you in danger instead of helping the other person.
#5.) INVEST IN SWIMMING LESSONS
Being a strong swimmer will not only keep you safe but will increase your fun! Although The American Red Cross says that 80% of Americans claim they can swim well, only 56 percent can actually perform the five basic skills of water competency they consider necessary to swim safely.
Those essential skills are:
- Step or jump into the water over your head
- Return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute
- Turn around in a full circle and find an exit
- Swim 25 yards to the exit without stopping
- Exit from the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder.
Being a strong swimmer is vital for all ages, so taking swimming lessons seriously can be very important to learn these essential skills. Be prepared so you can enjoy Woodside’s adult and family pools safely.
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER AT WOODSIDE
The water is a wonderful place to enjoy the sunshine and to cool off in the heat. It is a place to enjoy time with friends or relax on your own after a stress-filled day. Whatever your pleasure and motivation is for enjoying the water, as long as you keep safety tips in mind, you will keep yourself, your family and your friends safe while you make the best of your summer fun.
Family pools in Kansas City are waiting for you! If you would like to check out those at Woodside, we would love to show you what we have to offer. If you find yourself desiring a tour or more information about membership at Woodside, we would love to provide you with that information to let you see what all we have to offer our members.
