Insights from Dr. Georgie Pechulis, a pediatric hospitalist at Rady Children’s Health Orange County
Before you dive in: Common pool mistakes to avoid
A day at the pool is a great way for families to stay active, cool off and enjoy time together. But while most people focus on fun in the sun, it’s easy to overlook some common health and safety risks that can turn a relaxing day into an unexpected trip to the doctor’s office.
Dr. Georgie Pechulis shares some of the most common mistakes families make at the pool and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring the effects of sun exposure
One of the biggest pool-day mistakes is underestimating the power of the sun.
Many people remember sunscreen when it’s hot and sunny, but harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can still cause sunburn and skin damage on cloudy or overcast days.
To protect your family:
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming.
- Wear hats, sunglasses and cover-ups when possible.
- Seek shade throughout the day to limit direct sun exposure.
Just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean you’re protected from its effects.
2. Not drinking enough water
Spending hours in the water can make it easy to forget you’re still sweating and losing fluids.
“Many people forget to keep themselves hydrated while in the water,” says Dr. Pechulis. “Heat and physical activity can significantly increase the amount of fluid you need.”
Without enough fluids, children and adults can develop heat-related illnesses.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Rapid breathing
- Low urine output
- Nausea or vomiting
Taking regular water breaks can help prevent dehydration and more serious complications such as heat stroke.
3. Swimming while sick or injured
If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea, they should stay out of the pool. But those aren’t the only illnesses that can spread through shared water.
Conditions such as pink eye, coughs and congestion can also increase the risk of transmitting illness to others.
Swimming with injuries can be problematic, too.
Avoid pools if you have:
- Large wounds
- Recent sutures or stitches
- Open sores
- Skin infections
Swimming with open wounds can slow healing and increase the risk of infection for both the injured swimmer and others sharing the pool.
4. Walking around barefoot
Pool decks, locker rooms and bathrooms are often slippery and can contain hazards that are easy to miss.
Wearing sandals, flip-flops or other protective footwear can help prevent:
- Slips and falls
- Cuts from sharp objects
- Scrapes and other minor injuries
And remember one of the oldest pool rules: Walk, don’t run. Running near the pool significantly increases the risk of falls and injuries.
5. Underestimating the risk of drowning
According to Dr. Pechulis, this is the most important safety issue families should keep in mind.
“Drowning can be silent,” she says. Many people think they’ll hear splashing or cries for help, but that’s often not the case.
Young children are especially vulnerable. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and often occurs when children gain unexpected access to water.
Many incidents happen when:
- Adults believe someone else is watching the child.
- Families are taking a break from swimming.
- People are packing up to leave.
- Children slip outside unnoticed through an open door or gate.
6. Don’t rely on floaties
While inflatable arm floaties may seem helpful, they can give children a false sense of confidence in the water.
Children who regularly use floaties may not learn essential floating and swimming skills. Tragically, some children forget they aren’t wearing them and enter the water expecting the same level of support.
Instead, consider properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when around open water.
7. Stay within arm’s reach
Any child who is not water-safe should remain within arm’s reach of a responsible adult at all times.
Dr. Pechulis compares open water to a busy highway. Just as you wouldn’t allow a young child to wander near traffic unsupervised, children who are not water-safe should always be closely supervised around water.
8. Never dive into shallow water
Headfirst dives into shallow pools can cause severe head, neck and spinal cord injuries. Always check water depth before diving and follow posted safety guidelines.
Why are these mistakes so common?
Many of these risks are preventable, but people often underestimate them.
“We’re human and tend to forget the importance of prevention,” says Dr. Pechulis. “Often, people don’t fully appreciate a danger until it affects them personally.”
Who is most at risk?
While anyone can experience pool-related injuries or illnesses, certain groups face higher risks.
- Children ages 1 to 4 are at the greatest risk for drowning.
- Children with developmental differences or medical conditions such as epilepsy may also face increased drowning risks.
- Tweens and teens are often more susceptible to dehydration, sun exposure and unsafe behaviors because they are typically less closely supervised than younger children.
Making every pool day a safe one
Whether you’re spending a few hours at the neighborhood pool or enjoying a full day in the sun, simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping your family safe.
Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, avoid swimming when sick or injured, wear proper footwear and, most importantly, remain vigilant around water.
When it comes to pool safety, prevention is always the best defense.
Get more expert health advice delivered to your inbox monthly by subscribing to the KidsHealth newsletter here.
Get more safety and injury prevention tips from CHOC experts
More children are affected by injuries than all other childhood illnesses and diseases combined. Most of these injuries are predictable and preventable. Here’s how to keep your child safe.
