12 Must-Know Pool Safety Tips for Minnesota Parents

1. Understand the Risks

The risks of pools are very real, and the statistics are sobering. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

• Drowning is the leading cause of death for children four and under.
• Drowning is the second most common cause of unintentional injury death for children ages five through 14.

Understanding these realities is the first step toward preventing tragic accidents.

2. Choose Appropriate Swim Areas

If swimming in a residential pool, verify that all reasonable precautions are in place to protect your child. Check for safety features and ask about their policies for protecting children. Don’t assume that the host has taken the necessary steps.

At public pools, familiarize yourself (and your children) with the rules and follow them consistently. These rules are designed to prevent accidents and ensure everyone's safety. Pay particular attention to depth markers, and prohibit your child from diving into shallow water. Avoid a public pool without a lifeguard on duty.

3. Use Proper Safety Equipment

Ensure appropriate safety equipment is near the pool, including a reaching pole, a life ring, and a first aid kit. These items should be easily accessible in case of an emergency.

And remember, life jackets save lives. Children who cannot swim confidently should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around the pool. Water wings, pool noodles, and inflatable toys are not safety devices and mustn’t be substituted for proper life jackets or parental supervision.

4. Never Let Children Swim Alone

One of the most crucial pool safety rules is never to allow children to swim alone. This rule applies regardless of their age or perceived swimming ability. Even children who are good swimmers can experience medical emergencies or other accidents in the water. Always ensure your children use the buddy system and swim with at least one other person, preferably an adult.

5. Supervise Children Near Pools

Small children should not be left unattended near any body of water, no matter how shallow. Even a momentary lapse in supervision can have devastating consequences. Most young children who drown had been out of sight for less than five minutes and were under the care of one or both parents at the time.

When your children are in or near the pool, designate a "water watcher" whose sole responsibility is to monitor them without distractions. This person should avoid using phones, reading, or consuming alcohol while on duty.

Parents can take turns being the designated water watcher at gatherings like pool parties. Rotations should be short (around 15 minutes) to keep the watcher alert and focused. Don’t assume another adult is watching your child without explicitly confirming it.

For young children and non-swimmers, practice "touch supervision" by always staying within arm's reach. Maintain constant visual contact with your children, even if they know how to swim.

6. Make Sure Your Child Can Swim

Before allowing your children in (or even near) the water, enroll them in age-appropriate swimming lessons with qualified instructors. The American Academy of Pediatrics now supports swimming lessons for children as young as one. At least by age four, most children are ready to begin swim lessons.

Look for programs that teach swimming techniques and water safety skills, such as how to float, tread water, and safely exit the pool. Even after your children learn to swim, continue to reinforce water safety rules and don’t assume they're safe on their own in the water.

Parents who don't know how to swim should consider taking lessons, too. Your comfort and skill in the water will better equip you to help your children if they encounter trouble while swimming.

7. Teach Children Pool Safety Rules

Beyond swimming skills, children need to understand basic pool safety rules. Teach them to:

• Ask permission before entering any water
• Never run around pools or push others near water
• Stay away from drains and suction fittings
• Exit the water during bad weather or if they feel tired
• Alert an adult immediately if they feel unsafe or see someone struggling in the water

Reinforce these lessons regularly, and praise children when they follow the rules consistently.

8. Recognize Drowning Signs

Drowning seldom resembles what we see in movies. There's rarely splashing, waving, or calls for help. Instead, drowning is often silent and can occur in as little as 20–60 seconds. Watch for these warning signs:

• Not moving or using legs to swim
• Head low in the water (with mouth at water level)
• Head tilted back with mouth open
• Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
• Eyes closed or covered by hair
• Hyperventilating or gasping
• Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
• Trying to roll over onto the back
• Appearing to climb an invisible ladder

If you notice any of these signs, act immediately. Reach out with a pole or throw a flotation device if possible. If not, enter the water if it is safe to do so. If you cannot swim safely, signal a lifeguard or other nearby adult to respond immediately.

9. Know How to Respond to Emergencies

In the event of a drowning accident, seconds count. Being prepared ahead of time can save lives.

• Learn CPR and basic first aid skills, and refresh these certifications regularly. Consider downloading a CPR app on your phone that can guide you through the steps in an emergency.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of safety equipment at any pool you visit, including reaching poles, life rings, and first aid kits. When visiting a new pool, take a moment to note the location of the nearest phone and emergency exits.
• Have a charged phone nearby whenever you're at a pool, and know the address of your location in case you need to call emergency services.

10. Watch the Weather

If the pool is located outside (as opposed to an indoor pool), pay close attention to the weather before going. If there is a risk of a storm, high winds, intense sunlight, or other hazards, postpone your pool trip for another day.

When you are at the pool, keep an eye on the sky. Exit the pool immediately if you hear thunder or see lightning, and stay out for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard. Lightning can strike water and travel long distances, putting swimmers at serious risk.

Strong winds can also make pool conditions unsafe, especially for smaller children. They can also blow inflatable toys and rafts into deep water with surprising speed. Always secure these items when not in use, and don't rely on them for safety.

11. Don’t Drink and Supervise

Certain behaviors significantly increase the risk of water accidents, including the consumption of alcohol when supervising children near water. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and the ability to respond to emergencies.

12. Avoid Dangerous Games

Rough play in the water can be dangerous even for good swimmers. Discourage activities like dunking, pushing, or jumping onto others in the water. These seemingly fun activities can lead to injuries or accidental drowning.

Another dangerous practice is hyperventilation before swimming underwater. Holding your breath too long can lead to shallow water blackout, causing swimmers to lose consciousness underwater without warning. Discourage breath-holding competitions and extended underwater swimming, especially for children and teenagers.

Protect Your Loved Ones at the Pool This Summer

Pools provide some of summer's most cherished childhood memories, but safety always comes first. As a parent, your vigilance and preparation can significantly reduce the risk of an accident. By teaching your children proper pool safety, maintaining constant supervision, and preparing yourself for an emergency, you can help ensure that the pool remains a fun and safe place for your kiddos.

If you or a loved one experiences an injury at a swimming pool, know your rights! Schedule a free consultation with the experienced attorneys at SiebenCarey, and we’ll be ready to answer all your questions.