Safety First! 10 Must-Know Pool Safety Tips for Illinois Parents

It's going to be a hot summer in Illinois, which means taking a dip in your backyard pool is an absolute must!  There are some safety tips you should be aware of, though.

I have seen so many news reports about kids drowning in their family pools and summer isn't even here yet.  As the weather gets warmer in Illinois, there will be a rise in drownings across the state.

Related: Illinois’ Top 4 Coolest Waterparks for Summer

Here's what you can do to protect your babies this summer.

Safety First! 10 Must-Know Pool Safety Tips for Illinois Parents

1. Always supervise children in & near the water
2. Enroll your kids in swimming lessons
3. Learn CPR as soon as possible
4. Monitor children in shallow AND deep waters
5. Never rely on floatation devices
6. Keep the pool covered when not in use
7. Don't leave toys in the pool area
8. Encourage walking instead of running
9. Keep your phone near you in case of emergency
10. Know the signs of drowning

#10 is the most important because sometimes we think kids are just playing around.  Kids drown silently and it happens fast.  Most kids are vertical in the water with their heads tipped back when they're drowning.

"Drowning can happen fast, and despite all we know about prevention, it's still the leading cause of death by unintentional injury in kids ages 1 through 4 in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" [parents]

As you enjoy your family's backyard pool this summer, remember to prioritize everyone's safety above all else to ensure endless fun!