Play it safe in your backyard this summer

Ensure a fun and safe summer party with these simple tips

By Alyson Munroe

For many families, summer vacation brings backyard pool parties, barbecues and fireworks. Whether you're hosting or attending a party this summer, keep these tips in mind so your party is fun and safe for children and adults alike.

Pool safety

Nothing beats the heat like a refreshing dip in a swimming pool. But when it comes to water, both kids and adults need to be careful.

Susan King's daughters — Alison and Christy, — are in their grandparents' pool every day. The Sydney, Nova Scotia mom is strict when it comes to pool rules and says she worries when the girls are invited to parties where there will be a pool.

"I need to know and trust the mother really well," she says. "A lot of parents think it's OK to watch from the kitchen window. I'll only let the girls go if I trust that the parent is outside watching them the entire time."

King's girls have "many, many pool rules," including not being allowed in the pool area without an adult, no jumping in the shallow end, no running around the pool and no holding each other under water. When her girls have pool parties, King won't allow any child in the pool who hasn't had swimming lessons or whose head isn't above the water in the shallow end.

"Kids drown quickly and quietly," cautions Jen Costello of the National Safe Kids Campaign. Even less than an inch of water can be enough.

"Parents need to actively supervise children at all times," she says. "Don't take your eyes off them to answer the phone, to serve food or even to watch another child."

American Red Cross health and safety expert Don Lauritzen cautions parents to "be safe and have fun, but remember your guests are your responsibility." He advises parents to learn these rules before allowing any child to take the plunge:

• Make sure everyone in the household knows how to swim.
• Never allow children to swim alone, regardless of their age or ability.
• Never leave children unattended in or around water.
• Teach children not to go near water without you. Pools should be off-limits without an adult.
• Don't substitute flotation devices for parental supervision.
• Keep life-saving equipment at your fingertips. Have a fully charged cordless phone and emergency numbers on hand in addition to a reaching pole and rope.
• Get trained in CPR and first aid, and put together a home first-aid kit.
• Empty kiddie pools and buckets of water as soon as you're finished with them.
• Don't allow diving into above-ground pools or in the shallow end. Use a feet-first entry unless the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
• Don't allow glass around the pool.
• Don't allow running or rough housing in the pool area.
• Make sure swimmers take breaks to reapply sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Costello also recommends parents erect a four-sided fence around their pool with a locking, self-closing gate. This is in fact the law in many municipalities.

For parties, Lauritzen also tells parents to make sure other parents know their child is attending a pool party. They should appoint responsible adults to actively supervise or hire a lifeguard. Make sure guests know the pool rules. Homeowners should also double-check their insurance policy before the party.

For more information about pool safety:

• Read the American Red Cross full list of Water Safety Tips
• Test yourself with the American Red Cross Water Safety Quiz
• Give children the Look Before You Leap Pool Safety Quiz

Barbeque and food safety

Everyone loves a long-weekend barbecue. Kids will want to help with preparations, but give them food safety tips first, like washing hands, rinsing fruits and vegetables, and being careful around raw meat.

Keep a close eye on children once the barbecue is lit. Small children might try to peek at what's cooking. Lauritzen says you should mark an area around the barbecue and not allow children or pets in this space.

Never leave matches, lighters or lighter fluid where kids can play with them. Children like to act like Mom or Dad and may try to use one of these items.

Costello reminds parents that a child's skin burns quickly because it's thinner. In case of burns, Lauritzen says to cool the skin with cool water and cover with a dry, sterile dressing. Call 911 for all severe burns.

For more information about barbecue and food safety:

• Read the United States Department of Agriculture guide to Safe Food Handling
• Test yourself with Family Education's BBQ Safety Quiz
• Test the kids with the Can You Serve Up a Safe Barbecue? quiz

Firecracker safety

What's a summer long weekend without fireworks? Before lighting up, be aware of the potential safety hazards, as well as local laws about consumer fireworks.

"Anything that creates a flame should never be in the hands of children," says Costello. Parents should wear eye protection and light fireworks away from the house and flammable materials. They should also keep plenty of water at hand.

For more information on fireworks safety:

• Check out the National Council on Fireworks Safety tips for choosing safe fireworks
• Introduce kids to Sparky the Fire Dog's fireworks tips
• Explore Natural Resources Canada's Family Fireworks Safety

Costello encourages parents to be good role models for children. "Be safe yourself," she says. "Make safety a part of their daily life as well as yours."