Pool Fool

Rules to Keep Everyone Safe at the Pool

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

Summer is coming and we have a great town pool that the kids love to play in. However, I worry about everyone's safety in the pool, especially since some parents don't even seem to be watching their children. Do you have any advice for how we can all keep our kids safe in the pool?

Sincerely,

The Pool Rules

A:

Dear The Pool Rules,

One of the most important summer safety precautions a parent can take is to make sure that their child is water-safe and to make sure that every situation their child is in is a safe water situation.

Make sure that there are life guards who are well trained and have appropriate credentials wherever your child is -- whether it's a camp, a beach, a playdate, or a pool party. Accidents happen, and they can be fatal when children are involved.

Pool rules:

If a pool is not gated -- it's not safe for children to be around unsupervised. No exceptions.

Having an older sibling watch a group of children -- or even one child at a pool can be a recipe for disaster. It's too much responsibility for a sibling who is not a lifeguard. Don't do it. Play it conservative and safe.

If you're the designated lifeguard or if someone you know is -- take it seriously. Don't drink, don't flirt, and don't take your eyes off the water. And if that's too much for you, don't be the lifeguard -- let someone who can do it, be that person.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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