With the weather heating up, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about swim safety and great local swimming spots for your family. Living in Alabama, our summers get hot! Luckily, my family has a swimming pool right in our backyard. That keeps swim safety tips at the forefront of my mind...ALWAYS.

Especially as working moms, our time is precious. That’s why we here at MomsTribute.com, where we pride ourselves in offering top blogs for busy moms with babies, at home or at work, have put together this guide packed with essential swim safety tips and a few family-friendly swimming spots that you can easily visit on weekends or after work. We hope this takes the stress out of moms' lives a bit by letting you have some good time management with the absence of searching and browsing elsewhere. Let’s dive in!

Preparing Your Kids to Swim Safely

1. Enroll in Swimming Lessons

One of the best ways to ensure your child’s safety in the water is by enrolling them in swimming lessons. Not only do swimming lessons teach essential swimming techniques, but they also instill confidence in your kids. Look for classes at your local community swim centers or family-friendly pools.

In North Alabama, we have a great company called Ready, Set, Splash! They work with kids and adults alike to teach basic to advanced swim techniques. They’re a great place to check out for families looking to enhance their swim safety skills.

2. Proper Swim Gear

Make sure your kids have the proper swim gear. This includes:

• Neon Colored Bathing Suits: These are great for keeping an eye on your kids in the water. Studies have shown these to be the easiest-to-spot colors even when swimmers are underwater. On the flip side, pale colors make it much more difficult to keep an eye on swimmers.
• Life Vests: Always wear a life vest if you’re on a boat or swimming in open water like a lake, river, or ocean.
• Swimming Goggles: To protect their eyes from chlorine and improve their underwater vision, give your little ones a great pair of goggles. You could also consider a nose plug!

3. Water Safety Techniques

Teach your children essential water safety techniques:

• Floating: Knowing how to float can help your child stay calm in the water.
• Treading Water: This skill helps them stay above water without swimming to the side.
• Entry and Exit: Properly entering and exiting the pool can prevent accidents.

Swim Safety Tips

1. Never Allow Children to Swim Unsupervised

Always supervise your children while they’re in the water. Even if they’re strong swimmers, accidents can happen in seconds.

2. Keep the Pool Gate Closed

If you have a pool at home, ensure the gate is closed and locked when not in use to prevent little ones from wandering in unsupervised.

3. Keep a Phone Handy

Have a phone nearby in case of emergencies. Quick access to emergency services can make all the difference in a critical situation.

4. Know Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

If it’s possible, learn CPR. Knowing how to perform CPR in an emergency can save a life during cardiac arrest when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs.

5. Be Knowledgeable About Weather

When swimming in open water like a lake, river, or ocean, keep an eye on the weather. Sudden changes can create dangerous conditions.

Great Local Alabama Swimming Spots

Now that we’ve covered some essential swim safety tips, you’re ready to relax and have some fun! Let’s talk about some fantastic local swimming spots where you and your family can have a great time.

1. Point Mallard in Decatur

Point Mallard is one of my family’s favorites! It offers a fantastic family-friendly environment with a variety of water attractions. From wave pools to lazy rivers, there’s something for everyone. The park also offers swimming lessons and safety courses, making it a great place to enjoy the water safely.

2. Community Swim Centers

Local community swim centers are perfect for families. They often offer swimming lessons, family swim times, and special events. Be sure to download the free kids friendly venue app to see what types of swim centers are available in your area!

3. Splash Pad at Bridge Street Town Center, Huntsville.

Another of my family’s favorites is the splash pad at Bridge Street Town Center in Huntsville, AL. It’s free to visit, and there is plenty of seating for parents and grandparents. This makes it one of the best places to visit with kids!

Splash pads are a great alternative for water play when your kids aren’t quite prepared for the pool. They’re ideal for younger kids as they provide a safe environment with shallow water and plenty of fun water features. Plus, it’s a great way to cool off on a hot day!

Water play is a wonderful activity that can provide hours of fun and exercise for your kids. By following these swim safety tips and visiting local family-friendly swimming spots, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your family. And don’t forget, for other great mom-to-mom advice and helpful tips, be sure to follow MomsTribute Blogs!

Katie C, MomsTribute.com