A few basic emergency items should always be kept at close reach when you and your family are spending time at your backyard swimming pool. Having a well stocked emergency kit in your pool house or shed will help keep everyone safe all summer long.
Rescue Gear
For swimming emergencies, a rescue rope and a life preserver ring should always be close at hand. Teach your children that these are tools and not toys. Floats and pool toys can go in the pool, but these things only go in the pool when someone needs help. It is important for all family members and guests to your pool to understand the rules about these devises. A CPR kit with a face shield and rescue breather is essential to have on hand by your swimming pool, especially if you have children swimming in your pool.
First Aid
A fully stocked first aid kit should include various types of bandages, gauze, cleansing wipes, and compresses. An antihistamine for allergic reactions and an itch fighter for bug bites are also good to have on hand. If any of your children have bee sting allergies or use an inhaler for breathing, always have the appropriate gear with you when spending time around the pool.
Helpful Additions
A few added pieces of your safety kit can help make swimming more pleasant for everyone. Sunscreen is very important and its worth keeping it with you for frequent reapplications, even waterproof sunscreen can come off in the pool and needs to be reapplied frequently to be effective. Goggles are a good thing for anyone who swims underwater, but especially for children with sensitive eyes. Ear plugs are another helpful thing to have on hand for children who may be very susceptible to swimmer’s ear and ear infections caused by water.
