No doubt about it, splash time in a pool is synonymous with summer fun! As you head off on your summer vacation, it is worthwhile to review water safety  with your family even if your children swim like fish and spend a lot of time in the water at home.

At your destination, the environment is likely to be different from what you’re used to, and there may be guidelines that are unique to the setting. By developing familiarity with basic water safety, knowledge of your child’s swimming skills and an understanding of the challenges that water play can pose for young children, you’ll be well prepared for your fun day at a pool or waterpark.

At Smugglers’ Notch Resort, aquatics supervisors and lifeguards ensure a great experience for guests enjoying the resort’s eight pools, four waterslides, and reservoir with water trampoline.

The resort’s aquatics staff share the following observations for parents to keep in mind as their little fishies hit the water:

• Young children don’t swim the same way that adults do; they may do a “doggy paddle” or a modified tread in which they don’t make a whole lot of forward progress. While these methods will keep a kid’s head above the surface in still water, that child could become overwhelmed by turbulence at the bottom of a slide, waterfall or other feature.

• Kids can tire more quickly than adults; remember, smaller children are over their heads in areas in which taller people can stand, so they are swimming the whole time!

• Young children are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as an adult can, so even a pool that seems warm can lower their body temperature.

• A final thought: kids often won’t communicate well about how they are feeling, and therefore extra vigilance is required from parents and lifeguards.

Ready to hit the water with your kids?
Then dive in to these tips from Smugglers’ aquatics staff!

• Know your child’s swimming ability.

• Follow height and swim ability requirements on waterslides and other pool features.

• Supervise your child whenever they are in or near water. Even a slight aspiration of water can be frightening for a young child and impact their positive experience.

• If you see your child shivering or with blue tinged lips, suggest a towel break to warm up.

• Obey all pool rules: they are in place for your child’s safety.

May your summer days be filled with lots of splash time!