In Florida, summer never stops, bringing backyard parties, family barbecues, and long sunny days by the pool all year-round. These moments are filled with laughter, connection, and time spent with the people you love most.
As exciting as these moments are, it’s important to keep water safety top of mind so everyone can enjoy them with confidence and free of stress.
In fact, 23% of drownings happen during family gatherings. It’s a powerful reminder that even during fun, relaxed moments, staying alert matters.
At Watermelon Swim, we’ve gathered our top tips to help you and your family stay safer by the water, so you can focus on making happy memories together.
Set Pool Rules Before Starting the Fun
It’s important to set rules and boundaries before hopping into the water so everyone knows how to stay safer around the pool for the day. Things like no running, no diving into shallow water, and never swimming alone are essential guidelines that will help prevent an accidental emergency.
Never assume that anyone already knows these rules; be proactive and ensure expectations are in place before the fun can begin!
Designate a Water Watcher
When you think everyone’s watching, chances are no one is watching. Assigning an adult to be the designated water watcher is a great step towards safety at your gathering. This person should stay sober, stay off their phone, and frequently keep track of who is entering and exiting the pool.
88% of child accidental drownings happen when an adult is nearby. It’s not enough to just be by the pool; there needs to be an active water watcher ready to act.
Learn CPR
Don’t wait for an emergency to learn CPR. It’s one of those skills that you hope you never have to use, but it can make a huge difference in an emergency.
Initiating CPR immediately can increase the rate of survival by double or even triple. Watermelon Swim encourages all able-bodied adults to learn CPR as soon as they can.
Incorporate Swim Breaks
Swimming is an amazing way to enjoy the Florida heat, but it can also be tiring, especially in the heat. Be mindful of how long children are in the water and plan regular swim breaks during your gathering. This gives little melons time to rest in the shade, hydrate, and refuel before jumping back in for more fun.
Pro Tip: A slice of watermelon makes the perfect poolside snack and is a refreshing way to help keep everyone hydrated!
Ensure There is No Pool Access Once In-Water Fun is Over
Once the festivities move indoors, it’s essential to ensure children cannot access the pool on their own. Many incidents happen after swim time ends, when attention shifts and routines change. In fact, 70% of toddler drownings occur when pool time is over.
In Florida, safety measures are built into the law. Residential pools are required to have a four-foot fence with a self-latching gate, designed to prevent unsupervised access. The barrier should be secure, with no gaps that a child could crawl under or squeeze through.
Taking a few extra moments to secure your pool area can make a meaningful difference in keeping your gathering safer.
Watermelon Swim Wants to Help You Stay Safer By The Water
Another way to significantly reduce the risk of drowning is continuous swim lessons. This essential step reduces the risk of accidental drowning by 88%.
For more tips and ways to stay safer around water, follow our socials and keep an eye on our blog! To get your little melon started in our learn-to-swim program, call 813.229.7946 today. We can’t wait to meet you!