General Pool Rules:

1. Beginning swimmers may only swim with adult supervision in the water.  “Floaties” are not recommended as they provide a false sense of security.  Be sure that an adult is within arm’s reach at all times!
2. Always walk around the pool deck.  Running may lead to small injuries such as scraped knees or emergency situations.  The child may fall and hit his/her head and become unconscious. 
3. Young children or timid swimmers should always hold an adult’s hand when walking on the pool deck.  This may prevent any accidental falls into the pool.
4. No dunking or splashing other children in the water.  Dunking and splashing may lead to swallowing water and choking.  May also lead to panic and emergency situations.
5. Always swim with adult supervision and permission.  Even experienced swimmers may have accidents that can lead to emergency situations.
6. No diving without supervision.  Diving is only allowed in water 5 feet or deeper.  Swimmers should always follow posted diving guidelines at public or private pools.
7. Be sure that you and your child are familiar with the layout and design of the pool.  Where is the shallow area?  Where can your child climb out of the water?  Is it so crowded that swimming may be dangerous for your child?  Always be aware of the happenings in and around the pool.
8. Remember SAFETY comes first.  If you are not comfortable with the swimming environment, your child should not swim.

Safety Skills:

1. Falling in, turning around, getting the wall and climbing out:  This should be an automatic response for a beginning swimmer if he/she accidentally falls into the water.
2. Standing up from float position:  A beginning swimmer can have lots of fun in shallow water if he/she knows how to stand up from a horizontal position. 
3. Treading water:  Swimmers use treading water to get air and look around for a place of safety.  In a lake or other open body of water, a swimmer that accidentally falls in can tread water in order to breathe until help arrives.  All children should wear lifeguard-approved life jackets when near any open body of water.
4. Rolling to back float for air and rest:  Any child that can roll to his/her back and float, can breathe.  A young child that may not be strong enough to tread water for an extended period of time can float on his/her back and breathe until help arrives.
5. Swimming strokes:  extended freestyle swimming, elementary backstroke, breastroke and sidestroke can all be used to swim extended distances.  Elementary backstroke and breastroke can be relaxing strokes to swim long distances.  Freestyle can be used for faster swimming when needed.  Sidestroke is used when carrying another swimmer to safety.
6. By teaching your child to swim you are providing your child with life saving skills that can be used for a lifetime.  Swimming is also a wonderful form of exercise for a healthy lifestyle.