There's nothing better than going swimming on a hot day. It's so fun! Here are a few tips to make sure you stay safe while you play in and around the pool.

• Don't play alone!
  It's not a good idea to swim in the pool by yourself. If something happens to you, you may not be able to get help. Always have your parents watch you swim. Sometimes, you may be at a friend's house or swimming with a group. Have their parents watch while you play. Even though you are with your friends, you still need an adult there. Your friends might not know you need help because they're having so much fun playing. If you go to a public pool or to the ocean, they provide a special grown up that has been trained in how to help you called a lifeguard. If you or someone else is in need of help, call out to the lifeguard.
   
• Don't play on the bottom of the pool or around filters!
  It's hard for people to see you easily when you play on the bottom. Also, if you see anything that resembles an opening on the bottom of your pool, AVOID IT! Filters have really strong suction. That means that they can hurt you and hold you under water. Be sure you don't go near them.
   
• Remember to be safe outside the pool too.
  Before you get in the pool and after you leave, you need to play it safe. It's hard to resist running to the pool and jumping in, but running around pools is dangerous. It's even dangerous when you aren't wet. You could fall down and get hurt! Always walk around the pool and get in and out where there are steps or ladders. Of course, you can also use the diving board too. (If your parents say it's okay.)
   
• Don't push or pull people into the pool!
  It's extremely dangerous to push people into the pool. They may not hold their breath in time and breathe in water. They might also get hurt if they hit the bottom, sides, or rim of the pool on the way down. It's also dangerous to pull people into the pool. They could hit the rim or sides of the pool. They might even fall on top of you! Also, some of your friends may not be able to swim. They won't like getting pulled or pushed into the water much.
   
• Don't hold people underwater!
  It's never a good idea to hold someone else underwater. Even though you may be able to hold your breath for a long time, some people can't. Also, what feels like a short time to you will feel like a much longer time to them. People can get really hurt from being held underwater too long and they can breathe in water too. Breathing in water is really bad. It can make you very sick and sometimes worse.
   
• Don't go into the water to get toys on the bottom without parents nearby.
  Have your parents help you get toys out of the pool. If one of your toys sinks near a filter, DO NOT SWIM AFTER IT! Have your parents use a net to get it out. If you see a toy in the pool and your parents are not around, leave it alone. Wait until your parents are there to help you get it out.
   
• Keep all electrical devices well away from the pool and any wet surfaces.
  When you are in the pool, you need to avoid electricity. Electricity can hurt you when you are in water even if you don't actually touch the device or cord yourself. The electricity will flow into anything in the water. You may want to listen to your favorite CD's or radio station while you swim. That's fine, but be sure to keep your radio, CD player, iPod, phone, and any other electrical devices far away from the pool and any wet places. If they fall in, you could get really hurt.
   
• Don't swim when it's raining or stormy.
  Stormy weather can make lightning. Just like with the electrical devices, you don't want to be in water when there is electricity and that is what lightning is. Lots and lots of electricity. When it gets rainy and stormy, go inside with your parents and friends and enjoy a nice warm cup of cocoa instead. Playing in the pool is more fun when it's sunny anyway.
   
• If you're sleepy or just ate, don't go swimming.
  You may have a bed-like flotation device, or a nice lifejacket, but that doesn't mean you can sleep in the pool. Never allow yourself to fall asleep in the pool or close to it. If you fall in, you could be hurt. Swimming right after you eat can make your stomach sick and it can give you cramps too. Cramps are when your muscles hurt. They can make it hard to swim and that is dangerous.
   
• Don't ignore the rules because you've had lessons or swim well.
  There's an old saying that goes, 'Even monkeys fall out of trees.' That means, even though you're really good at something, everybody makes mistakes. Even if you swim well or have been taking swimming lessons, that doesn't mean that you should ignore the safety rules. You still shouldn't swim without someone watching you and you still need to follow the rules.
   
• Set a good example.
  Sometimes it's really tempting to break the rules. Just remember that the pool is not the place to do that. Even if you don't get hurt, you may end up hurting someone else. Also, you need to set a good example for your friends, brothers, and sisters. If they see you breaking the rules, they might too and that could get them really hurt.

Just remember, we all have more fun when we all play it safe!