The invitation dropped into my WhatsApp. Ping! In an instant, my eyes were drawn to the two words in the centre of the graphic. “Pool Party”. I gulped. Not even the cool icons of flip-flops, sunglasses and a beachball could distract me . . . “Pool Party”.
Images of 10-year-old boys running around the pool, turning tricks and making dares with each other raced through my mind. Who was going to be keeping an eye on them? What if something happened?
A fun party can quickly turn into a disaster should something happen to a child.
Statistics from the United States show that almost 40% of children who visited a hospital casualty room for a “drowning event” were swimming in a new environment, such as at a pool party.
“At an event like a family gathering or pool party, it could be easy to assume that someone else is watching the pool, or it could be possible that the pool doesn’t have proper safety equipment,” Marissa Abbe of Children’s Health was quoted as saying.
Owning a pool comes with a lot of responsibilities. But that shouldn’t get in the way of your child having a fun time splashing around in the cool water with their friends.
With summer around the corner, the weather will soon be ideal to plan a fun-filled – and safe – children’s pool party. No matter how old your guests are, there is always a lot to think about.
If your child is attending a pool party, phone ahead to ensure there will be enough adults to supervise the water at all times. Offer to stay awhile to help watch the children (more below).
Here are some things to consider when hosting a children’s pool party
Know the swimming ability of each child
Some children at the party will be better swimmers than others. That said, accidents can happen to even the most experienced young swimmers – and adults. Remember to keep an eye on every swimmer all the time.
Lay down the law
Once everyone has arrived at the party, bring the kids together for a safety briefing. Setting out the dos and don’ts of what kinds of behaviour are acceptable around the pool at your home will let your guests that you value their pool safety.
“The key to avoid unforeseen incidents is being proactive when it comes to safety,” says Graeme Swatton of Swalings Swimming.
Designate a water watcher or hire a lifeguard
Assign some of the parents to water watcher duty for 15-20 minutes at a time. This will be someone who is focused on supervising everyone in the water during their shift. No distractions allowed!
Know CPR
As parents and swimming pool owners, the responsibility falls on individuals to learn CPR and to ensure that water and pool safety guidelines are adhered to.
Have safety equipment on hand
Keep a ring buoy and a cellphone close at hand, just in case.
It’s important to never feel awkward about asking your hosts about what safety precautions they have in place at the party your child is attending.
A few pointed questions may make your hosts realise they could do more to keep the children safe in the water.
As I walked through the gate to fetch my son, three large inflatables were floating on the calm blue water as sounds of laughing children came from inside. All safe and sound. Phew! – Gregory Rule
- Gregory Rule is a member of the Nets for Africa marketing team
Nets for Africa specialises in pool nets and covers. We supply and install swimming pool safety nets, leaf catchers, solar blankets and PVC winter covers. Contact us today!