Hotel Pool Safety

Adults may go on vacation to see the sights, but what do the kids really want to see? The hotel swimming pool. Whether the temperatures outside are approaching 100 degrees F or are near zero, kids just want to get wet inside the comfort of the hotel. Hotel pool options range from indoor water parks to pools that look only slightly different than they did when today's parents were kids. Now that you're the parent, it's up to you to keep your children safe. Educate yourself on common pool hazards, what to look for in facility conditions, and how to avoid most problems.

Pool Hazards
There is always a danger of kids drowning, but think about these other safety concerns when at the pool:

• Falls on the pool deck due to slippery conditions or from running
• Diving accidents often caused by misjudging the pool depth
• Drain entrapment caused by malfunctioning pumps or broken drains
• Illnesses from by waterborne bacteria and parasites

Pool regulations vary from state to state so don't assume that your hotel pool is properly maintained. And even if it is, sometimes the safest situations offer opportunities to be unsafe. Answer the following questions before you bring your whole family down to the pool:

• Is there a lifeguard?
• Is the lifeguard responsible for other duties such as picking up towels or glasses?
• Is the water clear?
• Are drains intact?
• Is the hot tub temperature suitable for children?
• Is there breakable glassware in the pool area?
• Are chemicals left where a child might find them?
• Are there any obvious electrical shock hazards?

Once you're satisfied with the answers, make sure that you and your family understand why safe pool behavior matters. Have a family meeting with the kids and as parents divide up supervision responsibilities so that you know exactly who is doing what.

Family Pool Rules

• Note and follow posted pool rules
• Determine your family's specific rules based upon swimming experience, size, and age of your children
• Adults must supervise at all times
• Avoid mixing alcohol use with supervision -- it often doesn't work!
• Shower before entering and after leaving the pool
• Don't swallow water -- it could be dirty or contaminated
• Take small children on frequent bathroom breaks
• Don't let any family member swim who has had diarrhea recently
• Obey signs that say to stay out of water due to contamination issues
• Do not dive into the pool
• Go feet first down slides
• Pull back hair and avoid loose clothing
• Stay away from drains in pools and hot tubs
• Respect others in the pool

With a little bit of preparation, maybe even parents will begin to think getting wet is the best part of spending vacations together. Jump in and shake off all those miles you traveled. See, don't you feel better already?