Gearing Up for Summer Fun and Water Safety

Having lived on the Florida Gulf Coast for many years, my family became used to spending a lot of time outdoors in the pool or on the beach. Now that we live in rural Georgia, the ocean has been replaced by the lake but we still spend a lot of time in the pool. Whether you are playing in a backyard sprinkler, splashing around in a kiddie pool or taking the boat out to the lake there are some things to consider when gearing up for summer water fun and water safety. It’s important to remember that water at any depth can be dangerous to kids.

Learning to swim is paramount in water safety. All of my children and grandchildren learned to swim while they were still in diapers, and I have always been a believer of getting the kids swimming lessons from a professional. Having a pool in the backyard is so convenient and lots of fun, but also brings with it a lot of responsibility which is something I don’t take lightly.

I think it’s important to set water safety rules for the whole family, based on swimming abilities. For example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep. When my youngest grandchildren are over we make sure they are always supervised and wearing appropriate flotation devices such as Stearns Puddle Jumper life jackets. My older grandchildren are fabulous swimmers, but even they know it’s a rule to always swim with a buddy.

When you are swimming in an area away from home, it’s important to choose a location that is supervised by a lifeguard and to read and obey all rules and posted signs.

Especially during the hottest months we never know when a thunder shower is going to creep up on us, so it’s important everyone knows the get inside at the first sighting of dark clouds, thunder or lightning.

Something I have to remind my teenage granddaughters is that no matter how dark their tan might get this summer, it’s important to always wear sunscreen. Also, stay hydrated and come inside if they start feeling too hot or too cold.

When having fun in the water this summer, it’s important to remember that kids don’t float. I know those chubby little toddler legs might look like they’d float, but seriously please be sure your kids are wearing flotation devices that will keep their head above water at all times. Stearns Puddle Jumper Life Jackets and Suits are designed to keep your child’s head above water. Stearns Puddle Jumpers suits are easy to buckle on and off for potty breaks and diaper changes. Stearns Puddle Jumpers Life Jackets will keep kids safe and give parents peace of mind while having fun at the pool, lake, or beach this summer. They are available at Target and Walmart.

Be sure to check out the Stearns Puddle Jumpers “Fun in the Sun” Sweepstakes on the Parents Magazine Facebook page! Click on the “Fun in the Sun” tab and enter for a chance to win $5,000 to use toward an ultimate summer vacation. Additionally, three first-prize winners will win their choice of up to 2 Puddle Jumpers.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Stearns® Puddle Jumpers®. The opinions and text are all mine.