Summer is finally here! It’s time to break out the sunglasses and flip-flops and head out to the pool. There was a time, long before children, when pool lounging was a simple affair. Accompanied by a cold drink and a good book, we could soak up the sunshine in silent contentment. 

Ladies, those days are loooooong gone.

As a mom, a “simple” trip to the pool is actually anything but simple. Instead of a drink and a book, you’ll be carrying snacks, floaties, gallons of sunscreen, and multiple toys. And that’s a light trip. Keeping your children safe is a full-time job even without the presence of large bodies of water. Add that in and it can become an exhausting exercise in vigilance, but don’t worry. A day at the pool is a great way to bond with your kids, as long as you stay focused on pool safety while you’re there. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind this pool season:

Accessibility.

If you have a pool in your backyard, there are a couple things you can do to keep your kids safe when you might not be looking. There are multiple options for pool coverings, from nets to hard covers. These may be pricier, but they’re worth the peace of mind if you can afford them. Of course, not everyone can do that and that’s okay! You could also install a chain lock or alarm at the top of any doors with pool access.

Life jackets.

If your child can’t swim yet, you’ve probably bought them some type of life jacket. You always put these on when you’re planning on your child being in the pool, but I would recommend keeping them on your child any time you are out near the pool. The scariest moment of my life happened last summer, when my daughter fell in the pool. She was 2 and a half, and I was outside with her dangling my legs in the pool. We had stopped swimming 30 minutes previously, and I had let her remove her life jacket. I turned my head to the person next to me for a brief second, and when I turned back my daughter was underwater. I never heard a thing. I have no idea if she fell in or jumped in, but when I turned forward a few seconds later her eyes were wide open staring up at me. I still see that image in my mind so clearly, and it could’ve been so easily prevented.

On a lighter but still important note: Sunscreen.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, yet it tends to be treated the worst! We tend to be very careful when it comes to our kids’ skincare, but don’t forget your own!

What keeps you at ease when you take your kids to the pool? If you have anything to add, let me know in the comments!

Have a fun summer with your kids, and stay safe out there y’all!