Please read: Pool safety and swimming

As the weather is getting nicer, and we are thinking of pool parties and swimming, I would like to bring up a few points. (I was a lifeguard and swim instructor for over 15 years.)

If you're having a pool party, please hire lifeguards. You can typically call your local Saf-T-Swim, Y, JCC, or high school for lifeguards. (And, for their safety, they should only come in pairs to your house. So don't complain if they say they won't come alone.) Make sure you ask for a certified lifeguard! Not all swim instructors are lifeguards.

Swimming lessons are great, but children still need to be supervised in the water. NO MATTER HOW GOOD OF A SWIMMER THEY ARE!!!!! I was a competitive swimmer at the age of 4 and a member of the National team as I got older. I have never swam without somebody else watching me. (Even in the August heat at 9 months pregnant, I still waited for DH before going into the pool. And that was TORTURE )

Get a pool alarm!!!!! They vary in price and are wonderful to have! Even if you think your children are too old/too young/great swimmers yada yada. Who can stop the neighbor's kid from getting in? Fences don't always work.

Thank you for reading this! If I can help just one family from tragedy, then it was worth it!

Re: Please read: Pool safety and swimming

Excellent points!

Re: Please read: Pool safety and swimming

Yes, excellent points!

When we were looking for our current house, over 50% of the style/neighborhood we were searching for had pools. I just didn't want one with young kids . It makes me nervous enough that so many of our neighbors have them and many don't have the fences immediately surrounding the pool area.