Pool Float Safety Tips for Kids and Adults: Stay Safe While You Float
Pool floats have become a staple of summer fun. From colorful unicorns and flamingos to relaxing lounge chairs and inflatable islands, floats are the perfect way to kick back, soak up the sun, and enjoy the water. But while pool floats are designed for relaxation and recreation, they can also present real safety risks if not used correctly.
Our safety tips are based on expert recommendations and practices, inspired by safety practices from California, known for its vibrant pool culture. Whether you’re enjoying a backyard pool, a community swim club, or a hotel resort, safety should always come first. This guide breaks down essential pool float safety tips for both kids and adults - so you can float with peace of mind all summer long.
Introduction to Pool Safety
Pool safety is a critical concern for families with children, as drowning can occur in a matter of seconds. According to the American Red Cross, installing barriers around pools, such as a self-closing and self-latching gate, can help prevent accidents and keep children safe. These barriers are essential in creating a safer pool environment by restricting unsupervised access. Additionally, never enter pools or spas with compromised drain covers to prevent accidents, especially for children who are at risk of getting caught in drains or suction openings.
Designating a specific adult to supervise children in the pool area is another crucial step. This designated adult should be vigilant and avoid distractions, ensuring that children are always within sight and reach. Parents and caregivers should also learn CPR and first aid training to be prepared in case of an emergency. These skills can be lifesaving and provide peace of mind while enjoying pool activities.
For more detailed information on pool safety, the Commonwealth of PA website offers valuable resources and tips on how to create a safer pool environment. By taking these steps, families can enjoy their pool time with reduced risks and greater confidence.
Pool Safety Overview
Guidelines for Child Float Safety
Check for Defects Before Using Your Float
Limit Alcohol Use While Floating
Store Floats Safely Between Uses
Extra Tips for Pools vs. Lakes or Beaches
1. Pool Floats Are Not Life-Saving Devices
Let’s start with one of the biggest misconceptions: in the market, pool floats are often misunderstood as life-saving devices. Pool floats are not substitutes for life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs). They’re designed for leisure, not rescue.
Safety Tip: Children, non-swimmers, and weak swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life vest, even if they’re using a float.
While floats may keep you on the surface temporarily, they can tip easily, deflate unexpectedly, or drift into deeper water.
2. Always Supervise Children Using Floats
No matter how well your child swims, never leave them unattended on a pool float. The designated adult should avoid distractions such as reading while supervising children on pool floats. Accidents can happen quickly - especially when a float tips or a child slips underneath.
Guidelines for Child Float Safety:
- Stay within arm’s reach of toddlers and young children.
- Use age-appropriate floats with secure seats or leg holes for infants and toddlers.
- Avoid large novelty floats that can block your view or easily flip.
Ensuring these guidelines are followed is crucial for family safety around the pool.
Pro Tip: Choose floats with safety harnesses for little ones to help keep them securely in place.
3. Choose the Right Float for the Right Person
Not all floats are created equal. When selecting a float, consider who will be using it and how. Paying attention to the details of each float can help ensure safety and enjoyment.
Considerations:
- Toddlers and infants: Use floats with built-in seats, leg openings, and sunshades. Check out Pool Floats for Toddlers!
- Kids: Opt for floats with handles or built-in headrests for more stability. Check out Pool Floats for Kids!
- Adults: Look for sturdy floats with multiple air chambers and weight ratings to avoid deflation or tipping. Check out durable Pool Floats for Adults!
Bonus: Choose floats in bright colors for better visibility in the water. Try out the Above Beach Patrol Float!
4. Watch the Weather - Even in a Pool
It may seem like you're safe from the elements in a backyard pool, but storms and wind still pose a threat.
Quick Weather Safety Tips:
- Never use pool floats during a thunderstorm. If you hear thunder or see lightning, clear the pool immediately.
- Strong winds can push floats (and people) into pool walls or deeper water.
Even on sunny days, sudden gusts can cause lightweight inflatables to move quickly or unexpectedly.
5. Be Mindful of Depth and Distance
It’s easy to lose track of how far a float can carry you - even in a pool. Larger floats can drift toward the deep end or crowd other swimmers.
Tips:
- Keep young children in the shallow end when using floats.
- Don’t allow kids to jump onto large floats from the edge of the pool - it’s a common cause of injury.
- Avoid overcrowding a single float, which can cause it to become unstable.
6. Check for Defects Before Using Your Float
Before using any inflatable, give it a quick check. A small tear or weak valve can spell trouble once you’re in the water.
Additionally, always inspect pool drains for any issues, such as loose or broken covers, to ensure safety before using floats.
What to Look For:
- Soft or uneven inflation
- Hissing sounds (air leaks)
- Damaged seams or valves
- Worn straps or handles
Safety Tip: Keep a small float repair kit on hand for patching minor leaks. Check out our blog on how to patch an inflatable!
7. Limit Alcohol Use While Floating
Floating with a drink in hand may sound like the perfect afternoon, but combining alcohol with water activities is risky.
Why It’s Risky:
- Alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment.
- It increases the chance of falling off a float or drowning.
- Dehydration from alcohol and sun exposure can lead to fatigue or heat stroke.
Better Idea: Save the cocktails for after your pool session, or stick to non-alcoholic beverages while floating.
8. Avoid Overcrowding the Pool with Floats
Too many floats in a single pool can reduce visibility, restrict movement, and pose entrapment risks for swimmers.
Safe Float Practices:
- Limit the number of large inflatables in the pool at once.
- Designate “float time” versus “swim time” for kids to avoid collisions.
- Keep float-free zones near pool steps or ladders for easier entry and exit.
9. Sun Safety Still Matters
Floating makes it easy to forget how much sun you’re getting. Reflective pool water actually intensifies UV exposure, putting you at higher risk for sunburn and dehydration.
Sun Protection Tips:
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours.
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brim hat.
- Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re in the sun for more than an hour.
Bonus: Some floats come with built-in canopies or attachable umbrellas for extra shade.
10. Store Floats Safely Between Uses
When not in use, floats should be cleaned, dried, and properly stored to prevent mildew, sun damage, and deflation.
Storage Tips:
- Rinse floats with clean water after each use.
- Let them dry completely before folding.
- Store them in a shaded, cool area to prolong lifespan.
Avoid leaving floats in direct sun for long periods - they can degrade or overinflate due to heat expansion. Check out our blog on how to deflate pool floats!
CPR and First Aid Training
CPR and first aid training are essential skills for parents, caregivers, and adults who spend time around water. The American Red Cross offers comprehensive CPR and first aid training courses designed for both adults and children. These courses teach participants how to respond in case of an emergency, including how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Learning CPR and first aid can help individuals stay safer around water and enjoy activities like swimming and pool parties without worrying about accidents. These skills are invaluable, providing the knowledge and confidence to act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
Many community centers, hospitals, and online platforms offer CPR and first aid training courses, making it easy to access and learn these valuable skills. By investing time in these courses, parents and adults can ensure a safer environment for everyone and enjoy their pool activities with greater peace of mind.
By integrating these new sections, the article now provides a comprehensive guide to pool float safety, emphasizing the importance of overall pool safety and the critical skills needed to handle emergencies.
Extra Tips for Pools vs. Lakes or Beaches
While this guide focuses on pool safety, it’s worth noting a few key differences when using floats in lakes or beaches:
- Open water poses added risks like currents, tides, and wind.
- Use tethers or stay near the shoreline.
- Never use floats in areas where motorboats operate.
- Bright-colored floats improve visibility in natural water.
Float Fun with Safety First
Pool floats are one of the best ways to unwind on a hot day. They’re fun, colorful, and can make your time in the water more relaxing. But safety should never be an afterthought.
By choosing the right float, supervising kids closely, and being mindful of weather, depth, and sun exposure, you can enjoy your pool time to the fullest - without unnecessary risks.
So grab your float, apply some sunscreen, and enjoy a safe, splash-filled summer. For more tips on enjoying pool floats safely, watch this safety video.
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