Hey, mama! We’re halfway through summer, and temps are rising! But before we coast through July on autopilot, let’s hit pause and refresh our minds about poolside safety. Because while the kids are doing cannonballs, we’ve got to stay sharp (and hydrated). Each of these tips comes from an experience of mom-fails and misadventures. I’ve been mom-ing for over twenty years, and I’ve made mistakes. I’m here to share my wisdom. I’ve lived it, don’t be like me! #5 is pretty vulnerable.
- Sunscreen: The Real MVP
It was hot and overcast (kinda like this rainy summer we’ve had in Waco. I grabbed sunscreen for the pool because we could finally swim, but I did not check the expiration date…You can guess how that went. Did you know they expire? My shoulders up to my scalp were beet-red, I was embarrassingly burnt, and so were my kids. I felt like a bad mom for the next 2 weeks as we all healed and peeled. Reapply like your sanity depends on it—because it does. That SPF 50 you slathered on at 9 a.m.? It’s long gone by lunchtime. Set a timer, make it a game, or bribe them with snacks—whatever works. Go now and check the expiration date of those bottles! - Refill, Replenish, Repeat
My daughter has a Stanley that she holds like a security blanket, but one day it was dirty, and instead of cleaning it, she just decided to forgo water for the whole day. Mind you, there are cups and glasses aplenty, but she forgot, and I assumed I was wrong! This misadventure out in the sun cost us an ER trip for fluids, an EKG because of heart palpitations due to dehydration, and a two-week heart monitor cardiology follow-up. Everything came back clear; the only culprit was a dirty Stanley and not drinking water. Keep a cooler stocked with water, electrolytes, fruit, and maybe a juice box or popsicles. Dehydration can sneak up fast in the sun, and cranky, overheated kids are no one’s idea of a good time.
- Pool Rules Are No Joke!
I have more stories for this than I could fit in this post, but none of them ended well. I’ve raised two impulsive boys and helped raise dozens more, and I know how hard it is (no judgment here.) We have to be intentional with the pool safety rules. No running. No diving in the shallow end. No pushing. Yes, we sound like broken records, but repetition is key. Make it fun—create a silly “pool patrol” badge of honor or let the kids take turns being the lifeguard (whistle optional but encouraged). - Stagnant Water = Mosquito/Virus Playground
Be aware and be vigilant. Drinking this water or playing in it with open cuts or scrapes can get dangerous, fast! Kiddie pools, buckets, and forgotten floaties can collect water and become mosquito breeding grounds. Dump and dry anything that’s not in use. - Mindful > Multitasking
We know you’re a multitasking queen, but not at the pool. I know I may sound like a little downer (or you may be thinking, “whoa, no-brainer!”), but like I said, these tips have been lived. Pool time is not the moment to scroll reels, nap, or deep-dive into your fav summer reading. Designate a “Water Watcher” (switch off with other adults if you can) and keep watchful eyes on the water at all times. Drowning is silent—and seconds matter. Pool safety matters.
Vulnerable alert: Two years ago, it was the last day of school. Two teachers on the last day wanted to celebrate and let our kids and besties swim to kickstart the summer. We are loving, attentive moms, and we were vigilant, or so we thought. The youngest in the crew was four and not a swimmer, but he had amazing floaties. But he wanted to pause the pool time to jump on the trampoline, and off came the floaties. The problem is that no one realized our little duck jumped back in the pool like his sister and friends. We were right there, feet away. It was the blink of an eye. Our ending was happy, and he was okay, but we know it was divine intervention and the heroic effort of my ten-year-old, who jumped into action.
Know CPR, make sure everyone knows those rules, and talk about the signs of drowning. Talk about dunking and pulling others under the water. Keep the pool clutter-free so you can see properly.
Be safe, and have the best summer! You can find more summer safety tips, here and you can “dive” into more pool safety tips if you want, here.
