As we get deeper into summer, we know many families have vacations coming up or are starting the planning process. Whether you’re heading to a beachside cottage, a lake house, or a resort with a sprawling pool deck, there is so much to look forward to. We’re so excited for you to get to take a break, slow down, and make some memories with the people you love most. 

When traveling with the whole family, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new place. New surroundings mean new bodies of water, new pool setups, and new things to navigate as a parent. A little preparation before and during your trip goes a long way to make sure everyone has a great time and stays safe while doing it. 

Do Your Research About the Rental 

If renting a house or cottage with a pool, pay attention to what kind of barriers, if any, they have around it. A four-sided fence with a self-latching gate is the gold standard. If a listing doesn’t mention pool fencing, it’s worth reaching out to the host before you book. 

Is the rental on a lake or river? Is there easy access to that body of water? Kids are curious, and a child in an exciting new place may not be fully aware of their own safety while they’re exploring. Walk the property when you arrive so you know exactly what you’re working with. 

Wear a Bright Swimsuit 

If you’re heading to a large resort or renting somewhere with a community pool, you’ll want to make sure your little melons are easy to spot. Dark or dull-patterned suits are hard to see in a crowd or under the water. If you want to be able to find your kids at a glance, invest in bright, neon-colored swimsuits.  

Hot pink and highlighter yellow are just two colors that will immediately stand out. They may not be your favorite colors, but it’s important to go swimsuit shopping with safety top of mind. 

Do a Sweep When Swim Time is Over 

Are the festivities moving inside for the rest of the day? Check the pool. If there are toys, balls, or floats still in the water, take them out. You never know what might tempt a child to wander back. 

If the pool has a proper barrier, make sure the gate is latched and that nothing nearby, like a chair or cooler, could give a child a boost over the fence. 

Once everyone is inside and accounted for, lock all doors leading back outside. If you have an especially curious child, a door alarm or child lock adds one more layer of protection and a little extra peace of mind. 

Follow Basic Water Safety Guidelines 

Going back to the basics can make all the difference. Don’t forget to do things like: 

  • Assign a water watcher 
  • Learn CPR 
  • Never swim alone 
  • Look before jumping or diving 

These essential tips help to prevent emergency situations and relieve any stress that may accompany time by the water.  

Enroll in Swim Lessons! 

No matter where the summer takes your family, swim lessons are one of the most important things you can do to keep your kids safer in and around the water. Learning foundational water survival skills gives children the tools to help themselves if they ever find themselves in an unexpected situation. If your little ones haven’t started their learn-to-swim journey yet, there’s no better time than now. 

Ready to talk to a member of Team Melon? Call 813.229.SWIM to start your enrollment today!