School’s out, the sun’s high, and the siren song of pools, lakes, and waterparks is strong. YES! Summer is officially here, and we are ready for cannonballs and lazy river floats. But before your crew launches into full summer vacation mode, let’s talk real water safety. Not the boring, “yeah-yeah-I-know” stuff, but the nitty-gritty tips that make a difference here in our beautiful (and water-filled!) Midwest. Let’s make this the most fun and safest summer yet!

The “Always On” Water Safety Rules (The Non-Negotiables)

These are your base layers – wear them everywhere, every time.

1. The “Velcro Parent” Rule (aka Active Supervision): This isn’t just glancing up from your book. It means constant, undistracted visual contact. For toddlers and non-swimmers, it means “touch supervision” – being close enough to reach out and grab them instantly. No phones, no deep chats, just eyes on the kids. Appoint a “Water Watcher” and rotate every 15-20 minutes so everyone stays fresh.
2. Know How to Swim (Seriously!): This is the single most important layer of protection. Formal swim lessons, like those at The Swim Advantage, reduce the risk of drowning. It’s an investment in a lifetime of safer fun.
3. Life Jackets Aren’t Pool Toys (and Vice Versa): Forget the inflatable water wings. For boats, lakes, rivers, and even pools if needed, use only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Check the fit – it should be snug, not ride up over the chin or ears.
4. Know CPR: In an emergency, seconds count. Knowing CPR can literally be a lifesaver while waiting for first responders. Look for local classes!
5. Set the Rules Before You Get Wet: Don’t wait until the kids are mid-cannonball. Discuss rules like “no running,” “ask before entering,” and “stay with your buddy” before you even leave the house or hit the water’s edge.

Pool Safety: Beyond the Backyard Gate

Whether it’s your neighbor’s pool or the community hotspot (like our awesome indoor pool in Orland Park!), pools have specific needs.

• Home Pool Fortress: If you have a pool, think like a security expert. You need a four-sided fence at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Pool alarms on doors leading outside and/or in-pool motion sensors add crucial layers.
• The Drain Drain-a: Teach kids to stay away from drains and suction fittings. Ensure your home pool drains have compliant covers.
• Toy Story – The End: Remove all toys from the pool after swimming. A floating toy can tempt a child back to the water’s edge unattended.
• Public Pool Plan: Designate a super-obvious meeting spot immediately upon arrival. Lifeguards are amazing, but they are not your personal babysitter. Implement a buddy system, even for older kids.
• Hot Foot/Slippery When Wet: Pool decks get scorching and slick. Water shoes can be a foot-saver (and a fall-preventer).

Waterpark Wonders: Navigating the Thrills

Waterparks are awesome chaos! Keep it fun with these tips:

• Honesty is the Best Policy: Always follow the height, weight, and age restrictions for slides and rides. They exist for a reason. Don’t try to sneak a child on.
• Ride Recon: If possible, watch a ride cycle through before your child gets on so they (and you) know what to expect.
• Buddy Up & Base Camp: The buddy system and a designated meeting spot are NON-NEGOTIABLE here. Set check-in times.
• Wave Pool Wisdom: Treat wave pools like the ocean (minus the sharks). Even strong swimmers can get tired or overwhelmed. Consider a life jacket here.
• Hydration Station: It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re surrounded by it. Set reminders and take breaks in the shade.

Lake Life: Midwest Must-Knows

Our beautiful lakes offer unique challenges.

• The Murky Mystery: Midwest lakes often have limited visibility. You can’t always see the bottom, drop-offs, weeds, or hidden rocks. Teach kids to always enter the water feet first (no diving in unknown areas!).
• Weather Watch: Lake weather can turn on a dime. Keep an eye on the sky and get out of the water immediately if you hear thunder or see lightning.
• Boat Brains: Be aware of boat traffic, even in designated swim areas. Wear bright colours so boaters can see you.
• Dock Dangers: Docks can be slippery, and the water around them can be deceptively deep. No running, and life jackets for non-swimmers near the edge are a must.
• Temperature Tantrums: Even on hot days, lake water (especially deeper down) can be surprisingly cold and lead to muscle cramps or cold shock. Ease in.

River Rules: Respect the Flow

Rivers are dynamic and demand respect.

• Current Cues: Rivers always have a current, even if they look calm. Understand its strength and direction before getting in. Teach kids that if they get caught in a current, they shouldn’t fight it – float on their back and angle towards the shore downstream.
• Beware the Bends & Banks: Debris (logs, branches) often collects on river bends and near banks. Slippery, uneven bottoms are the norm. River shoes are your friends!
• Dam Dangers: Low-head dams are extremely dangerous “drowning machines.” Know where they are and stay far away, both upstream and downstream.
• Feet First, Always: Just like lakes, you don’t know what’s below. Never dive into a river.

Make This Summer Your Safest!

Wow, that seems like a lot, but a little prep goes a long way in keeping summer fun and worry-free. Share these tips with friends and family! And remember, the very best safety tool is confidence and competence in the water.

That’s where The Swim Advantage in Orland Park comes in. Our amazing instructors and cozy indoor heated pool provide the perfect, encouraging environment for kids to learn the skills they need to navigate all these water scenarios safely.

Ready to give your child the gift of a safer summer? Visit our website or call us today to sign up for lessons! Let’s make a splash, safely!