Backyard Pool Safety: How to Protect Your Kids This Summer
Backyard Pool Safety: How to Protect Your Kids This Summer
Schools are letting out here in the Hampton Roads, which means summer break is finally here. There’s nothing more refreshing in the warmer months ahead than a dip in your own backyard pool! At Katie’s Kickers, we’re passionate about helping children become confident swimmers, but swim safety starts long before they take their first lesson with us. Whether your child is just learning or already swimming laps, a safe pool environment is essential. Here are our top tips for prioritizing pool safety this summer:
1. Always Watch the Water:
Never leave children unattended near a pool, even for a moment. Designate a responsible adult as a “Water Watcher” whenever kids are swimming. This means staying focused. No phones, no distractions, just attentive supervision by trusted adults.
2. Secure Your Pool Area:
Install a four-sided fence that separates the pool from your house and yard. Make sure it has a self-closing and self-latching gate that’s out of reach of children. Pool alarms and covers can also provide an added level of protection, so that whenever something splashes into your pool, a loud alarm alerts you. There are also alarm systems that you can equip on your doors so you always know when someone leaves or enters the house.
3. Start Swim Lessons Early:
Early swim instruction helps kids feel comfortable and confident in the water and it teaches them essential safety skills. At Katie’s Kickers, we offer age-appropriate lessons that emphasize safety, skill-building, and fun.
4. Keep the Pool Area Clear:
After swimming, remove toys and floats from the pool so children aren’t tempted to reach for them later. Store them out of sight and out of reach to prevent unsupervised returns to the water.
5. Be Emergency Ready:
Ensure that all caregivers and family members know CPR and basic first aid. Keep a rescue float, first aid kit, and emergency contact list near the pool. Every second counts in an emergency, and preparation can save lives.
6. Protect from the Sun:
Safety in the water also includes sun protection. Apply waterproof sunscreen 15 minutes before swimming and reapply frequently, especially after toweling off.
At Katie’s Kickers, we’re more than just swim instructors, we’re your trusted partners in helping your children thrive in the water. Our private and small-group swim lessons are designed to be safe, supportive, and effective for children here in the Hampton Roads.
Let’s work together to make this summer safe, fun, and full of swimming success! Contact Katie’s Kickers today by calling us at (757) 942-5893 or emailing us at info@katieskickers.co.
