Swimming Pool Party Safety

Everybody loves a good pool party. What’s not to love about splashing around with your friends and family, staying cool on a hot summer day, or just lounging around on a pool float?

beachballs in a pool - photo by istockphoto

Before you slather on your SPF, strap on your water wings, and cue-up your favorite summer tunes – let’s talk about ways to make your pool party fun and safe.

To start, make sure you have a clear pool deck. You don’t want an obstacle course that could result in somebody falling in or around the pool and getting hurt. Next, don’t forget to store your pool chemicals away from where anyone can get to them. Remove the pool cleaner from the pool, and make sure that main drain covers are secured.

LIFEGUARDS

Remember you are responsible for the safety of your guests. It’s important to have somebody keeping an eye on the party and assuming the lifeguard role. Depending on the size of your party you might want to consider hiring a professional. I want to swim and party so if it were me, I’d hire a guard regardless of the guest count.

If your party moves inside due to weather or guests just taking a break, it’s a good idea to lock the doors to the pool. Keep the pool lights on so you can watch out for any rebel partiers that may sneak into the unattended pool.

It would also help to have an extra set of eyes on the pool. Ask one of your guests to help keep watch. You didn’t think this would be all fun and games did you? It is for me, because I would hire a lifeguard!

IDENTIFY HIGH RISK GUESTS

It’s important to gauge who your “high risk” guests are, kids and adults. Having two children myself I would consider them a risk for any pool party, and anyone under 5 makes this VIP list for me. I don’t expect to see Grandma knocking Timmy into the pool with a fun noodle. Granny is in the clear as far as I’m concerned.

Don’t be shy about asking your guests if they will be swimming, and be sure to ask parents about their child’s swimming skills. If they admit that their child has limited swim ability, ask them to please watch their young ones closely.

Enforce strong pool rules to prevent accidents. No diving, no dunking, no running. If you have especially rambunctious swimmers, give them a lifeguard time-out!

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

pool-safety-equipment - image by presentation media

Do you have the proper equipment to handle an emergency? I recommend having a life ring with a tow rope as well as a telescoping pole handy. Length of the rope and pole should be based on your pool size. You want to be able to help a distressed or injured swimmer from any side of the pool.

It helps to have flotation toys available for the little ones that might not be at Olympic swimming levels (kickboards, noodles, pool tubes, etc.). Not too many though, you don’t want to limit visibility and too many toys in the pool can be hazardous.

Diving board? It may be a good idea to close the diving board during the party, unless you can have a diving referee to keep things safe. Important note: most diving injuries occur to grown men showing off their high dive.

TRIP & SLIP PROTECTION

  • Walk the deck slowly, looking for any trip hazards, like uneven concrete slabs. You can mark toe-stubbers with bright colored tape, or patch with caulking.
  • If you have any low areas that collect water and has become slippery, treat with a bleach solution, a brush and a hose. During the party, keep sweeping any accumulating puddles.
  • Remove any obstacles close to the pool, such as chairs, toys or planters.
  • Place No Running signs around the pool, and enforce the rule on swift kids.
  • Look for any sharp or pointy objects in the range of 2-5 ft in height, that might poke an eye.

NO DIVING PROTECTION

  • Place No Diving signs around the pool. Classic or Amusing.
  • Place a chair on top of diving boards, with a No Diving sign.
  • Remind small children (and especially large men) to not dive.
  • Be watchful of out of control jumping, or entering the pool unsafely.
  • Trampolines or other large objects, should be moved far away 😉

LIFEGUARD ON PATROL

  • Hire a lifeguard, from the local swim team or community pool.
  • Designate a sober and mature person to take a lifeguard shift.
  • Give the guard written instructions on the pool rules.
  • Buy a lifeguard cap and whistle, to make them official.
  • Keep an eye on your lifeguard. Relieve them every 30-60 minutes.

OTHER POOL PARTY SAFETY TIPS

  • Keep an even closer eye on the pool as the party winds down.
  • If the party moves indoors for weather or night – lock the doors and gates.
  • No Glass or Ceramic items in the pool area. Use plastic cups and plates.
  • Ask a friendly “Can you Swim?” of all of your guests to identify non-swimmers.

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  • Don’t allow any diving into the pool.
  • Don’t allow tipsy guests to use the pool.
  • Don’t allow guests to fall asleep on floating lounge chairs.
  • Don’t allow swimmers to hyperventilate before going underwater.

POOL LOCK DOWN

pool-closed-sign

If someone gets injured or the party gets out of control – it’s time to lock down the pool. Find a buddy that can help clear the pool area and keep guests out of the water. Pool alarms can be used to alert you if anyone falls in (or jumps in) while the pool is unattended.

At this point you can determine whether or not the pool party is OVER or you just need a moment to gain some control or tend to an injured guest. You just needed a moment? Party On!

Everybody loves a good time and a good pool party. But nothing is more important than the safety of your guests. Remember to:

  • Keep all “Eyes on the Kids“.
  • Set and enforce strong pool safety rules.
  • Store pool chemicals safely away.
  • Make sure drain covers are secure.
  • Hire or designate a lifeguard.
  • Lock up when the pool is not in use.

It wouldn’t hurt to have a pool safety checklist to help make sure all the bases are covered. Now that you’re all set there is one more priority… have fun and soak up some sun!