Summer is a time for fun in the pool, and you and your family can't wait to dive in. Before you hit the pool, though, make sure that you are putting safety first. You can protect your skin from the sun and guard against drowning and injuries with a few easy steps.
Apply Sunscreen
A broad spectrum sunscreen blocks UVA and UVB radiation from the sunscreen to help prevent sunburns and skin cancer. Select a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and apply it even on cloudy summer days. Apply two tablespoons (1 ounce) of water resistant sunscreen over exposed parts of the body, and reapply it every two hours as long as you are outside. Children over 6 months old should wear sunscreen, and younger children should not be in the sun.
Supervise Your Children
As a parent, you know how quickly your children can get into trouble. More than 3,000 individuals die each year in the U.S., and many of them are children. Children ages 1 to 4 are at highest risk. When you are around a pool, focus on your children, not on your smartphone or other distractions.
Swim in Safe Areas
Only swim in a pool during the daylight hours or if the pool and surrounding area have good lighting. Just like when you play with your children at the park, you want to be able to see who is nearby when you are at the pool. If possible, swim only when a lifeguard is present.
Be Careful About Diving
Do not ever dive into a pool before you are certain of its depth. You do not want to risk a spinal cord injury and paralysis by diving into a part of the pool that is shallower than you thought. Also, make sure that you check the dimensions of the pool carefully so that you do not bump your head against an unexpected corner of the pool wall.