September Water Safety: 6 Tips for Cooler Pool Days
As summer fades into fall, pool time doesn’t have to come to an end. Cooler pool days offer a fun way to extend swimming activities with your family. However, as temperatures dip, there are additional safety considerations parents need to keep in mind to make sure that kids stay safe in the water. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining water safety on those cooler September days.
1. Dress for the Temperature
During cooler pool days, appropriate swimwear is essential. While the water may still be warm, the air outside can feel chilly. This is especially true when kids–or adults–hop out of the water!
A snug-fitting wetsuit or rash guard offers a bit of extra warmth and protection from wind exposure. Keeping a towel or blanket nearby for when they jump out of the pool can also prevent them from getting chilly.
Cold weather can quickly reduce body temperature, leading to chills or even hypothermia in extreme cases, so always keep an eye on how long your child stays in the water.
2. Check Pool Heating Systems
Many pools have heating systems that can keep the water warm during the cooler months. Before the family dives in, check to make sure the pool is heated to a safe and comfortable level. According to the American Red Cross, a pool temperature of 78°F to 82°F is ideal.
If the water feels too cold, it is best to wait or limit pool time to avoid health risks. Investing in a pool thermometer is a great way to monitor the water temperature, especially when the weather is unpredictable.
3. Shorter Swim Sessions
Even with pool heating and proper swimwear, it’s important to keep swim sessions shorter on cooler pool days. Children may not realize they’re getting cold. Keeping this in mind, regular breaks are essential. Have them get out of the water every 20 minutes to dry off and warm up before getting back in.
This is also an excellent time to check on their overall comfort and hydration. Dehydration is often overlooked on cooler days, but it remains a concern since kids can lose water through both sweating and swimming. Drink up!
4. Keep an Eye on Pool Maintenance
September often brings additional debris like leaves, dirt, and even insects to your water. Be sure to maintain your pool’s cleanliness to prevent slipping hazards or pool filter clogs. To help prevent these incidents, regularly skim the pool and check the filter.
Above all, make sure that the pool’s chemical levels are balanced. These can help keep the whole family safe from accidents and infections. This is even more important during cooler days when the pool might getting as much frequent use.
If you’re using a pool cover when the pool isn’t in use, make absolutely sure it is secure and stored properly when swimming resumes. Unsecured pool covers can pose a hazard to young children.
5. Water Safety is Always Top Priority
Regardless of the season, water safety should always be the top priority when your children are in or near the pool. On cooler pool days, it might be tempting to skip safety checks. That said, this is always essential. Equip young swimmers with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially if they are still building their swimming skills.
Parents should always be within arm’s reach when children are in the water. Cooler weather can make adults more likely to want to stay dry, but active supervision is the best way to prevent accidents. If you're feeling cold, bundle up and stay by the poolside—this way you will be ready to react quickly.
6. Communicate with Kids
A fun day at the pool is all about safety and enjoyment. Talk to your children about the differences they might notice when swimming on cooler pool days, like how their body feels in the colder air, and remind them to speak up if they’re feeling too cold or tired. Open communication helps kids to be part of the safety process.
As autumn rolls in, cooler pool days can still offer hours of fun for your family. With just a few adjustments, swimming in September can be both safe and enjoyable.
