During the fun summer months or while on vacation, it can be easy to overlook a few things when it comes to pool safety. The time can pass easily when having fun, and before you know it, hours have passed. Read on to learn how to keep kids safe while spending a day at the pool.
Understanding Pool Water
The chemical balance of your pool water can affect how your child feels while swimming and after they exit the pool. If pool water is imbalanced, then it can compromise the barrier function of their skin. This can lead to skin feeling itchy or irritated or peel off. Skin can also become extra sensitive to bug bites, sunscreen, and other external elements. Frequently check your pool’s pH levels, chlorine levels, and general balance.
Fatigue
Pool activities revolve around water, so it can be easy to forget that kids still need to drink water while swimming and that being in water does not mean their body is automatically cool enough nor hydrated enough. While heat exhaustion isn’t as common in swimming as it is in other youth sports, you should still keep an eye out and make sure they stay hydrated. Bring pre-measured water bottles containing electrolytes. This will help you keep track of how much water and liquid your child is consuming.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is important to your child’s current and future skin health. It is important to choose a waterproof sunscreen and to reapply it according to the directions provided. Sunscreen takes about 15 minutes to begin working, so keep this in mind when reapplying. More natural sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc are anti-inflammatory and usually more comfortable on the skin. Choose a sunscreen that is formulated specifically for kids, and when applying protection to your child’s face, be sure to use one that is formulated specifically for the face. This will help avoid irritation in the eye area.
These are just three things to keep in mind while your child is spending long hours in the pool. If you are not using your own pool, ask whoever is responsible for the pool for any information you need to protect the health of your child. You can also check your local government website for details on public pools. Knowing your child is safe will make your pool time more fun for everyone!
Our mission is to bring our upstate community together to save children’s lives. If your child does not yet know how to swim, get started today.