The last Saturday in April is National Pool Opening Day. Not everyone is able to open up their pools this early, but here in Mississippi, it’s the perfect time to throw off the cover and dive into the swimming season! Now that National Pool Opening Day is behind us, we can focus on the next big event: National Water Safety Month.

The purpose of National Water Safety Month is to promote awareness for pool safety. As we inch closer to the kids getting out of school, now is the perfect time to practice these five water safety tips.

1. Learn to Swim

We recently wrote a blog post about the importance of knowing how to swim – for both kids and adults. Before summer begins, brush up on your family’s swimming skills. You can spend time getting the kids comfortable in the water again, or you may benefit from enrolling in swim lessons. Learning to swim is a skill that can be used for the rest of your lives!

2. Don’t Rely on Inflatables

If you find that your child can’t swim well or hasn’t yet developed the skills to swim on their own, don’t depend on inflatables to keep them safe. While inflatables like “floaties” can help your child swim, they are not a substitute. Your child still needs constant supervision.

3. Discuss Limits and Expectations

Older kids that are comfortable in the water need to know their limits and expectations. Otherwise, they may find themselves in potentially dangerous situations that they can’t manage. For instance, if your child wants to go to the public pool, discuss how far out they can swim, if they can use the slides/diving board, how often to check in, etc.

4. Don’t Dive into Shallow Water

Unless you are trained to dive into a pool, it’s best to avoid it. You don’t know what’s down there – and you won’t until it’s too late. You can, however, enjoy diving in the deep end of a pool or off a diving board that is being supervised by a lifeguard.

5. Never Swim Alone

Even if you want to swim a few laps, it’s best to have someone with you at all times. Whether it’s a friend, a neighbor or a friendly face at the health club, it’s important to have someone else around other than yourself. If something happens and you can’t swim, this individual can help you.

Swimming is a fun, healthy activity that all ages can enjoy. But do realize that the water can be dangerous if it’s not taken seriously. In honor of National Water Safety Month, discuss these five tips with your family before the summer season starts.

In recognition of swimming and other water-related activities, the month of May is the perfect time to provide public education on safe water practices. As we approach the summer months where people will be spending more time on the water, it’s important to know the potential risks and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

“Simple Steps Saves Lives”

Swimming is an excellent sport and activity, but it is important to recognize the dangers that can occur if the proper precautions are not taken. In support of National Water Safety Month, make sure that you follow these tips from the “Simple Steps Saves Lives” campaign.

• Always stay close and alert when children are in and around the pool.

• Never leave a child unattended in the pool.

• Teach children basic water safety tips.

• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings.

• If a child is missing, look for them in the pool first.

• Have a phone nearby when using the pool.

• Teach your child how to swim.

• Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults.

• Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can help out in an emergency.

• Have the appropriate safety equipment installed for your pool, including a 4-foot or higher fence, lockable safety cover and door alarms.

Download the Safe Swimmer’s Pledge and promote safe swimming in your home!