So how can you keep yourself and your kids safe? Elise Tuttle, Aquatics Department Head at Life Time Fitness in Orland Park (http://clubs.lifetimefitness.com/Orland-Park/11219/), came into our ABC7 studio with a few simple rules.
Swim by numbers:
25:10 rule: if a child cannot swim 25 meters continuously, an adult must be within 10 feet
1: Pool and water safety is everyone's responsibility
12: Children under 12 need to be supervised
15: break every 15 minutes. At the top of every other hour, reapply sunscreen, rehydrate and take potty breaks
8: If there is lightening less than 8 miles away outside pools must evacuate
3: If there is lightening less than 3 miles away indoor pools must evacuate
4: Keep strollers at least four feet from pool's edge
- Bring an unusual or brightly colored beach towel, so kids can find mom easily.
- Put children under three years old in a swim diaper. Parents need to check the diaper often.
- Safety breaks: At the top of every other hour. Reapply sunscreen, rehydrate and take potty breaks.