Perfect time to spend hot days splashing in a pool

There’s no doubt that summer is here.

I felt it this past weekend with temperatures that were seemingly above average.

The weekend was extraordinarily hot but the good side of it was that it set a perfect condition for swimmers to enjoy swimming.

Pools are awesome.

What could be better than a dip in the pool and fun in the sun?

I took a drive to the Northerns Swimming Pool and just being there made me realise how kids love splashing in a pool in hot days.

Almost all the kids seemed very happy to be there; excitement was written all over their faces – they were having a great day in the water.

Playing in a pool can be a real treat on a hot day for kids.

It occurred to me that although swimming is a lot of fun, drowning is a real danger.

Even kids who know how to swim can drown so, it’s worth a while to take time to find out how to stay safe in the water.

Here are some rules to follow:

• Always ensure there’s an adult to watch kids when they are are in the pool — even in your own backyard. Never allow kids to go in the pool if there is no adult around.
• Always call an adult or lifeguard if there is an emergency.
• Gates are around pools for a reason — to keep kids away from the water when there isn’t a lifeguard or adult around to watch them.
• Teach kids to always obey pool rules.
• Ensure they swim with a buddy.
• If kids are learning to swim, make sure your flotation devices are Coast Guard approved.
• Walk slowly in the pool area. Don’t run.
• Swim at a depth that is safe.
• Don’t push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
• Don’t chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke.