4th Of July Pool Party Fun And Water-Safety Tips

Summer is here! It is time to start planning your 4th of July party. Gather your family and friends around the pool, and follow these simple tips to have fun while staying safe in the water!

Hydrate

It may be obvious for some, but hydration is key during the hot summer days. Remind your youngsters to drink water! Create a fun drink and snack station by the pool, and invite people to take breaks and enjoy some fresh water.

Wear Sunblock

Everyone, especially children, need protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. Don’t forget that sunscreen wears off fast, even faster if you are playing pool games! If you are hosting the party, have a basket accessible for everyone to grab sunscreen and reapply; you will be a star! Perhaps add extra sunglasses and hats and make it the perfect kit.

Rescue Equipment

Talking about kits, a rescue equipment kit is essential to keep around! Include a first aid kit, a pair of scissors, a life jacket and a pool safety ring. Remember, it’s better to be prepared!

CPR Certification

If you are planning on hosting a 4th of July party, you should consider getting CPR certified. Drowning and other pool related accidents happen more often than we think. By being CPR certified, you can make a difference in case of an accident, and even save a life.

Swim Lessons

Invest in your children’s future by investing in swimming lessons! Make sure that they will learn some essential water survival skills. Ask your swim school what programs they offer! We recommend private or small group classes as children learn faster when their instruction is tailored to their needs.

Install Pool Fence

If you are inviting infants and young children to your 4th of July party, have the pool ready and secured for them. It is highly recommended to install a four sided fence with a lock mechanism around the pool. You will be more in control of the ins and outs!

Pool Rules

Set your pool rules as soon as the party begins. No running, no jumping, no diving, and stay away from the pool drain; some simple rules that can truly make a difference. For the crafty parents out there, consider creating a poster visible to the children. Pictures and signs may help reinforce the rules.

Floats and Pool Toys

Floaties and pool toys are the best, we agree! But they also represent danger for our little ones. When not in use, put them away in a safe place. If they stay in the pool, they will obstruct your view, and they also can attract children to go back in the water to play with them when you are not watching.

Water Watcher

We know that you cannot be watching the pool at all times, so don’t forget to designate a water watcher and to take turns! An active water watcher will stay off their phone, know how to swim, won’t be intoxicated, limit conversation with others, be ready to enter the pool at any time, and of course, be close to the pool watching diligently. We also suggest that your water watcher stays in the pool with the children from 0 to 5 years old.

Make sure everyone knows who the water watcher is. A great way to do this is with a water watcher badge. You can print our free badge here. Take it to your pool parties and have the designated water-watcher wear it while on watch duty. The card helps remind the water-watcher of their commitment while on watch, and also helps remind other parents to limit their conversation with the water-watcher while they're on watch! Download Free Water-Watcher Card

We created for you a Sunsational Water Watching tag, ready for download! Print it, add a lanyard and pass it around at all your pool parties this summer. It’s a great way to make sure the Water Watcher remembers they are on duty!

Know Your Swimmers

Knowing every swimmer’s skill level will allow you to plan games and activities that match all those skill levels. Require every inexperienced swimmer to wear a coast guard approved life jacket is one of the best ways to prevent accidents!

Are you invited to a pool party for the 4th of July?

Here are a few questions to ask your hosts:

• What are the swimming pool rules?
• Will the pool area be locked when adults are not watching?
• Who is CPR certified? Who is a strong swimmer?
• Who is the designated Water Watcher? (don't forget to print your water-watcher card!)

Have a fun and safe 4th of July!

As inspired by WPTV