Posted on 06/04/2021
In addition to the preventive measures we've already considered in the former posts in this series (see Parts 1 and 2), one way to help reduce the risks associated with drowning is to have some clear-cut policies for your family when it comes to water. If you have a backyard swimming pool or live in a lakefront area, you can extend these policies to others that you host. As with any policies, you will want to communicate them clearly, post them (if appropriate), review them frequently, and follow through with them. You should review these rules and the consequences for non-compliance before every swimming session. And be prepared to enforce them too.
Pool Policy 1: No Adult, No Water
This policy needs to be enforced strictly. Your kids should know that they are absolutely not allowed to get anything but their hands, feet, and faces wet without your knowledge and/or supervision. (For young children, this should include taking showers or baths.) While you don't want them thinking water is scary, they do need to know that it comes with risks; as their primary caregiver and protector, you can't help them if you don't know that they're doing something that has risks associated with it.
Pool Policy 2: Be a Buddy
Whenever they're outdoors, the buddy system is a good one. Even when a professional lifeguard is on duty or a parent has assumed lifeguard duty, this added tier of protection can be a lifesaving one. If each child has another child looking out for them in and around the pool and knows to alert the lifeguard if there's a problem, you'll have a greater chance of a quick response, in case a problem does arise.
Pool Policy 3: Behave Safely
This is a general rule that can include (but is not limited to) not running or pushing near the pool area or forcing anyone under water. If there is a waterslide or diving board, everyone should remain out of the way, where someone would be entering the water from those items, and the lifeguard should be made aware whenever someone is about to use them. While different lifeguards may have various thresholds for what's considered risky vs. safe behavior, the other adults present should agree to uphold the lifeguard's decisions and require children to comply (and, of course, comply, themselves). Whenever a lifeguard sounds his or her whistle, everyone needs to stop and look to see what is being communicated.
Pool Policy 4: If Asked, Get Out Now
There are various reasons that a lifeguard may require everyone to get out of the water, whether it's at a swimming pool or a natural waterway. If a lifeguard blows his or her whistle and motions for everyone to get out of the pool, those directions need to be followed as quickly and safely as possible. (This one might even be worth a dry run.) This can be especially important if only one adult is present. If you're the only adult available, you should insist that all children are out of the pool and outside the pool area anytime you need to leave the area for necessary breaks.
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