10 Things Lifeguards Don't Tell You

Tens of thousands of lifeguards watch over swimmers young and old at pools and beaches every summer. This ensures you always feel safe when heading to the pool to swim because someone is looking out for you. Do you know everything about swimming pool safety? Let’s see! Here are 10 things that lifeguards don’t tell you!

Ask about the pool rules

Safety rules, conditions and warning signs are typically posted around public pools. However, most people do not read the signs or understand how these rules relate to them. Introduce yourself to the lifeguard on duty. You can ask for clarification about any concerns you may have. Here are a few questions to ask!

What is the water like? Where does the deep end start? Where can I dive into the pool?

Always be sure to stand in front of the lifeguard when asking questions. This way, they don’t have to take their eyes off the water and everyone can stay safe.

Stay Hydrated

Swimming or simply being in the pool is a great way to stay active. Swimming causes the body to lose fluids through sweat. This is something that can sometimes be hard to see. Hydration starts with preparation, Be sure that your kids are drinking plenty of water before, during and after swimming. Your body stays cool in the pool, but summer heat can make the pool a dehydration zone. So load up on H2O.

Naturally, a warm flood flows directly toward the skin. So when you sweat, your body starts to cool your blood down. Pool water is not designed to regulate your body temperature, which is why you need to balance things out. Drinking water can help you feel better after a water workout!

Forget the Floaties

“Devices like arm floaties can easily come off, pop or slip out of a child’s hands,” says Nikki Bowie, a safety program manager and lifeguard for 32 years. “Floaties can give kids a false sense of security in their swimming abilities, which can cause them to move into water that is too deep for them.”

An approved life jacket is the only effective floatation device. There are different types of lifejackets available. You should always choose one that fits your child. This is the case whether you are swimming in the pool or at the beach. Read our article about choosing the right life jacket for your child for more information!

Bring Snacks to the Pool

Great snacks at the pool can be a great help. This encourages kids to reapply sunscreen and drink water when they get out of the pool. Sometimes kids will not want to get out of the pool. However, a delicious lunch can be enticing.

Be sure to make snacks that are both tasty and healthy. Swimming is a good form of exercise that’s best complemented by nutritious meals. Different nutrients are good for different parts of the body. Keep this in mind when preparing a poolside lunch.

Be Honest about your Swimming Abilities

It is very easy to misjudge depth and overestimate your endurance. Swimmers may wrongly believe they can swim to the other end of the pool. It might not look far, but in reality, it is. After swimming out, they might get tired and need to be rescued.

According to a Red Cross Study in 2014, almost half of America can’t swim. Most Americans believe they can swim. However, research shows 44% do not know basic water safety skills. This is concerning because it leads to more water-related incidents and injuries. Overconfidence is one the most dangerous things there is.

The more adults, the more you should pay attention

“Everyone may assume someone else has an eye on the children, when in fact, no one does,” says Bowie. “Pick a water watcher – one adult for every six kids – and take shifts.”

Parents and guardians don’t need to be in the water with their children. However, someone should keep an eye on them at all times. This prevents drowning and accidental injuries in the pool. Be sure to watch your kids whether you are at a public pool or visiting the beach for the day.

Lifeguards can’t be everywhere at once

“Everyone may assume someone else has an eye on the children, when in fact, no one does,” says Bowie. “Pick a water watcher – one adult for every six kids – and take shifts.”

Parents and guardians don’t need to be in the water with their children. However, someone should keep an eye on them at all times. This prevents drowning and accidental injuries in the pool. Be sure to watch your kids whether you are at a public pool or visiting the beach for the day.

We swim after we eat

Contrary to popular belief, lifeguards swim after eating. Neither the American Academy of Pediatrics nor the American Red Cross advises against this. It is simply an idea that has been talked about commonly in pop culture.

“Blood rushes to the stomach to aid in the digestion process. It is not nearly enough blood to cause your muscles to lose energy and their ability to perform,” according to Gerald Endress, an exercise physiologist and Director of the Diet & Fitness Center at Duke University.

It is best to not believe everything you hear and ask questions when you are unsure about something. This especially applies to water safety when bringing your family for a swim at the pool.

Rules are posted for a reason

Pool rules are designed to protect all swimmers. Read the rules before entering the water and make sure to review them with your kids. If you have any questions, your lifeguard will be happy to answer them.

Most rules are standard and similar in most places. For example, no horseplay and no diving in shallow water are posted at most pools. These are posted to keep families safe and informed and should always be followed.

Watch where you dive

Diving is plenty of fun! Doing so safely prevents head, neck and spinal cord injuries. Parents should remind their kids to never dive into shallow water and to enter the water feet first. This measures the depth of the pool.

Follow our diving safety tips to always make a splash the right way! Lifeguards are there for your safety. Knowing the rules and learning about water safety is the best way to prevent injuries or accidents.

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