Swimming Pool Rules

We have all heard them, “no running”, “no glass in the pool”, “don’t go in the deep end if you can’t swim”, and the list goes on and on.

Think about many times have you seen scraped knees, crying children (or adults for that matter), or lumps on the noggin? 

It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt, literally. 

Swimming pool safety rules

Here are some basic swimming pool rules you can use to prevent avoidable injuries and some creative ways to encourage them.

• If you can’t swim then wear a life jacket or stay in the shallow end (sounds simple but kids will work their way to the deep end every time.)
• No glass around or in the pool.
• Don’t dive unless it’s in the deep end (assuming that your pool is deep enough to dive.)
• Don’t run around the pool deck.
• No rough horseplaying in the pool or near the pool.
• Don’t swim alone.
• If it’s dark then the lights have to be on in the pool and you should have lights around the deck.
• Stay out of the pool if you are intoxicated and judgement is impaired.
• Reapply sunscreen often if you are swimming during the day time.
• No electrical devices near the pool (projectors, radios, or anything that you have to plug in.)

Ideas for encouraging rules

You shouldn’t feel shy about explaining / encouraging the rules, people’s lives literally depend on it.

There are a few ways that you can approach conveying and encouraging that may make it easier:

• Use a swimming pool rules sign and have it displayed in a very obvious location so that people have to see it.
• Include them in invitations if you are having a pool party with children and ask their parents for support them ahead of time.
• Plan ahead and keep young ones busy with activities so that they don’t have time to break the rules.
• Ask someone to help keep people safe (kids do it in school, (cue the hall monitor memories now!)
• Have water watchers focused on the pool and not engaged in other activities. Public swimming pool rules require lifeguards because of the number of people in the pool at one time, you should do the same. 
• Have each child come up with a rule and ask them to help use their rule to keep their friends safe.
• Provide plastic cups for drinks and offer to transfer them right away when you see someone with glass.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to pool safety. If you want more tips, please check these pool safety devices every pool owner should have.

For more tips on how to keep your family and friends safe around your pool you can check out other topics on our blog.