Pool safety is one of the biggest inducers of stress for every parent. How can parents prevent their children from falling into the pool? When are children ready for swimming lessons? Are floaties dangerous or can they help save a child’s life? To address these questions and more, The Loken Group has compiled a list of the best tips and tricks to help keep your family safe this summer.

1. Locking Up Your Pool

If you aren’t home or aren’t available to monitor your pool, the best thing you can do is lock it up. Whether it be locking up access to the backyard or installing a fence around the pool, you should never leave your pool unattended.

2. Install Monitoring Systems Around Pool

Monitoring systems don’t prevent children from falling into the pool, but they do help with triggering a fast response. Cameras and motion sensors allow you make sure nobody enters your pool without your knowledge.

3. Keep Rescue Equipment Nearby

Keeping water rescue equipment around a pool is a must. If someone does start struggling in the water, its always handy to have a life hook, rescue tube, safety ring, safety line, and a first aid kit within reach.

4. Avoid Dangerous Flotation Devices

Contrary to popular belief, not all personal flotation devices are made with safety in mind. Devices such as arm and neck floats often have a higher chance of accident than life jackets and rescue tubes. When looking to purchase safe personal flotation devices for your children, please consult the United States Coast Guard’s Personal Flotation Device Reference Guide.

5. Keeping Your Eyes On Your Children

The best and most important part of pool safety for kids is to keep your eyes on them. Keep yourself distraction free when you’re at the pool. This means keep your phone, tablet, and book in your bag when your kids are playing in or around the pool. If your child is under 4 years old, always keep them within arms reach when they’re in the pool.