Water Safety at Apartment Pool

I was a lifeguard all during my teen years and was on swim team forever. I can tell you that contrary to popular belief, people who are about to drown do not thrash around and yell for help. What you look for is a really big set of eyes on a face that's nearly underwater - that's the person who's about to go under and needs to be fished out ASAP! Keep your eyes on the pool at all times; even kids who are good swimmers can get a leg cramp that will put them underwater in a matter of seconds.

How good of a swimmer is your stepdaughter? If she is on swim team or the like, then she will probably be ok in the pool without an adult right next to her. However if she is not able to confidently swim across the pool alone, at the very least she needs to stay well within the area where she can stand up.

If she does stray into the deep end and you need to rescue her, if you do not know how to swim, don't jump in. Most pools have a "shepherd's crook" (a big hook on a pole) that you can reach out for her to grab onto. Likewise you can use anything that floats - a kick board, rescue tube, anything like that. You could even sit on the edge and reach out your foot to her, or you could hang on to one end of a beach towel and toss the other end out to her.

If the other kids get too rowdy, have your little one get out, and ask the parents of the other kids to settle their kids down. You don't want one of them jumping on her in the water! That kind of situation can get out of control fast.

Other than that, no running, no diving, and have fun! =)

The two most important rules near a pool are no running and no diving. Both can result in serious head/spine injury. If you see rowdy behavior (like dunking) break it up. The dunkee can become easily injured. Other than that have fun and just keep an eye (and ear) on things.

Hi A.,
Is there a life gaurd there? Probably not. My advice is to just keep a constant watch on your step daughter. Don't even bring a book or other reading material, just relax and watch her closely along with all the action in and around the pool. Go over the rules with her and tell her to report any bad behavior or breaking of rules by other kids to you. I'm sure a lot of these kids parents won't be present, so you will have to look out for her safety by nicely reminding rowdy kids to follow the rules. I'm sure you and your step daughter will have a good time. I would tell her to stay out of the deep end if there are lots of older kids frolicking in that area. They do get rowdy and she is smaller than them. Also if there is a diving board make sure kids are waiting before jumping to allow the kid who just jumped before them some time to get out of the way. (another reason to keep her out of that area) Oh, and don't forget the sunscreen! Have FUN!

My suggestion is take an adult swim class before next summer. If you are going to be taking children anywhere near teh water you should know how to save yourself first.