How to have a safe kid pool party

Pool parties are a great way for kids to cool off, celebrate and get some extra energy out during the warmer months. However, being in the water comes with some risks.

"Children often drown outside their home, in a pool that is new to them," explains Marisa Abbe, Ph.D., CPSTI, Director of Injury Prevention at Children's Health℠. "At a family gathering or pool party, it can be easy to assume that someone else is watching the pool or that there's proper safety equipment nearby.

Safety tips for hosting a kid pool party

• Provide active supervision. The most effective way parents and caregivers can prevent drowning is by keeping eyes on children at all times.
• Designate Water Watchers. A Water Watcher is someone who is solely focused on actively supervising everyone in the water for 15-20 minutes at a time. During that time, they agree to not be on their phone, chat, drink alcohol or do anything else that may distract them. To request a free Water Watcher tag you can use to officially designate a water watcher, email KBYG@childrens.com.
• Consider hiring a lifeguard. Hiring a lifeguard can be expensive. But it can also provide peace of mind and make the party more enjoyable.
• Know the swimming ability of each child at the party. Speak with each parent or guardian ahead of time to find out if their child can swim. Don't assume a child can swim based on their age.
• Create pool party rules for young children and non-swimmers. For example, they must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets at all times. A life jacket is safer than water wings or other inflatable devices.
• Have the right safety equipment nearby. A ring buoy and a cell phone are two important safety tools.
• Learn CPR. You can find an online or in-person class at The American Red Cross.

What to do if your child is going to a pool party

A few simple questions can make all the difference in keeping your child – and all the other children – safe. If your child attends a pool party, be sure to:

• Call the party host ahead of time. Ask if there will be enough adults to supervise the water at all times – and consider offering to be one of them.
• Bring a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. This is especially important if your child is not a strong swimmer.

Learn more

The Children's Health Injury Prevention team is by your side keeping your family safe at the pool. See more pool safety tips, or call 214-456-1870 to learn more.