Before your child visits a swimming pool this season, review these tips

This paid piece is sponsored by SafeSplash Swim School.

Kids love a day at the pool – especially if it involves a party or spending time with friends.

But before your child enjoys day at the pool – or anywhere near water – here are some safety tips to consider.

Toy do’s and don’ts

Flotation toys can be great for helping little ones or anyone still learning how to swim stay safe. Kickboards, noodles and pool tubes all have their benefits.

“But just make sure you’re not using too many floatation toys,” said Dan Sobocinski, co-owner of the Sioux Falls SafeSplash Swim School locations. “You don’t want to limit visibility, and having too many toys overall in the pool can be dangerous.”

Lifeguards 101

The most important thing to remember about lifeguards: They’re there for a reason. So when you’re at a backyard pool or other setting where lifeguards aren’t present, someone else should take on the role.

“Someone at a gathering should be the designated lifeguard – the person responsible for keeping an eye on the fun and not the one in the water or trying to do other things,” Sobocinski said. “At the same time, water-related risks can happen very quickly, so making sure your child is a strong swimmer is critical while you wait for help from a lifeguard.”

Hazard-free

Sometimes, it’s not so much what happens in the water but just outside it that creates a dangerous situation for kids.

Make sure pool decks are clear, meaning cleaning apparatus and covers are stored correctly and all the extras kids bring with them are either in the pool or safely on the sidelines.

“If you’re with your kids at the pool, you can check for these hazards,” Sobocinski said. “If not, remind your kids to be careful walking around the pool as tripping and falling can create just as much of a safety risk as drowning.”

To make it even easier, SafeSplash breaks down safety tips like this:

• S: Swim lessons. Be sure to learn the lifesaving skill of swimming
• P: Put away toys, and put up the ladder. Remember to empty small pools and cover hot tubs.
• L: Life jackets. Keep them on a boat, in a canoe and in a kayak, and use them when you paddleboard.
• A: Adult always watching. Establish an adult water-watcher.
• S: Shut all gates, including double-checking those that are self-closing and self-latching.
• H: How to rescue. Teach tips like “Throw, don’t go,” and know CPR and rescue skills.

Benefit of lessons

Of course, the best way to up your safety game near the water is making sure everyone is a strong swimmer. SafeSplash offers lessons for all ages based on a proven curriculum developed with help from some of the sport’s best.

“As the official swim school provider of USA Swimming, we offer a warm-water pool, with small classes structured around teaching water safety, skill development and proper swimming technique for the four fundamental swim strokes,” Sobocinski said. “You’re continually updated on your swimmer’s progress and can be reassured knowing there’s a safer season ahead.”

Did you know SafeSplash now offers swim lessons at three convenient Sioux Falls locations? The original south Sioux Falls location is at 85th Street and Minnesota Avenue, the newest location is at Dawley Farm Village, and SafeSplash lessons are offered conveniently at GreatLIFE’s Woodlake Athletic Club too.

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Take steps today to prepare for water safety all season