Safety Tips for the Pool this Summer
By Sara Butler
Now that summer is finally here, the fresh water of your local swimming pool beckons you. The sunny days just scream for you to cool down, but there are things you need to be on the lookout for to stay safe around the pool this summer. Follow these pool safety tips to keep on having fun in the sun.
Take Swimming Lessons
If you or your kids don’t know how to swim, then learn! Swimming cools you down but it’s also great exercise and it’s never too late to learn how to do it right. The Red Cross says that learning to swim is the biggest thing you can do to ensure your safety around the pool.
Wear Water Shoes
Many people go barefoot at the pool or wear cheap flip-flops. You’ll be safer and avoid falling if you wear rough bottom sandals or water shoes. Slick concrete can create a very dangerous situation quickly, so make it a rule to wear the right kind of shoes around the pool at all times. And no running!
Avoid Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is a condition that allows germs to grow due to water remaining in the ear after swimming. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that this condition is responsible for 2.4 million trips to the doctor every year. It can easily be avoided by tilting your head to the side in order to drain the ears after you’re finished swimming. Teach your children to do it, too.
If you or one of your kids experiences pain in the ear after a day at the pool, they do need to be seen by a medical professional.
Don’t Overdo It
It can be easy to get caught up in the fun at the pool and do too much, but make sure you take breaks in the shade, too. Also be careful to lift correctly to avoid injury when you’re lifting things such as coolers or lawn chairs by the pool. Overloading yourself and trying to do too much is a recipe to strain or sprain your back.
Prepare for the Worst
This may be a bit melodramatic, but it will pay to be prepared for the worst-case scenario in the case of an emergency. Make sure you have a small first aid kit with you and keep it in your pool bag or in the car.
Pool days are a part of the summer fun, but just make sure you take these steps to ensure your safety!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
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