The suitcases are coming out of the closet and the excitement is building. Whether you are heading to a tropical resort or a local hotel with a great indoor pool, water is likely at the center of your Spring Break plans.

However, if your child hasn’t been in the water for a few months, their “water legs” might be a bit shaky. Before you dive into vacation mode, here is a quick safety audit to ensure your family stays safe while making memories.

Perform a Pre-Vacation Skills Audit

Confidence in a calm, 90°F (32°C) indoor pool is different than confidence in a crowded resort pool or the ocean. Before you leave, take an honest look at your child’s current abilities. Can they comfortably float on their back? Do they know how to find the “exit” of a pool from the middle? If it has been a while, a few refresher lessons can make a massive difference in their safety and your peace of mind.

Designate a “Water Watcher”

Resort pools are busy, loud, and full of distractions. It is easy to assume that “someone” is watching the kids, but that is when accidents happen.

Use a dedicated Water Watcher system. This means one adult is specifically tasked with keeping their eyes on the swimmers for a set amount of time (example: 15 to 20 minutes) with zero distractions. No phones, no books, and no side conversations. When the shift is over, they “hand off” the responsibility to another adult.

Know the Rules of the New Environment

Hotel and cruise ship pools often have different rules and layouts than what your child is used to at home.

• Depth Awareness: Check the depth markers. Many resort pools have “drop-offs” that can surprise a young swimmer.
• Life Jacket Policy: If your child is a beginner, bring your own U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Never rely on inflatable “floaties” or “water wings,” as these can slip off or deflate and provide a false sense of security.
• Drain Safety: Teach your children to stay away from pool drains and suction fittings, which can be powerful enough to trap a swimmer.

Respect the “Spring Thaw” Energy

Kids are naturally high-energy during Spring Break, especially after a long Illinois winter. This can lead to running on slippery pool decks or jumping into water without checking the depth. Set clear “Pool Deck Rules” the moment you arrive at your destination to prevent falls and unexpected submersions.

Get Vacation Ready at The Swim Advantage

The best way to ensure a safe vacation is to build a rock-solid foundation of skills before you ever board the plane. At The Swim Advantage in Orland Park, our indoor pool is the perfect place to shake off the winter rust and get “water ready” in a supportive environment.

We are also excited to bring this same commitment to safety to our new Joliet location at The Flex this June. We are currently building a world-class team to lead our Joliet programs and ensure every family receives the expert instruction they deserve.

Planning a trip? Contact us today at (630) 394-2003 to schedule a few refresher lessons or to learn more about our upcoming programs in Orland Park and Joliet. Let’s make sure the only thing you have to worry about this Spring Break is which flavor of ice cream to get at the boardwalk.