For a fun pool party, think safety first

Summer is all about fun in the sun, but those warm days send many of us straight to the swimming pool. While splashing in the water or taking a few relaxing laps is the perfect way to cool down, it's important to exercise some caution in and around your backyard pool.

Staying safe is particularly important if you'll be inviting guests to come celebrate the summer holidays by your pool. Pool safety and holiday safety often go hand in hand - and when you're thinking of how to keep your guests safe, it should go right to the top of your priority list. Put these precautions on your list of holiday safety tips so that you can guarantee a fun pool party with no unpleasant mishaps.

1. Before kids get in the swimming pool, lay down the rules. Kids love nothing more than to play in the water, but they're not thinking of the many ways they could get hurt. Once they're geared up in their suits and trunks, have an impromptu meeting to tell them the rules they need to observe, like not running around the pool, not jumping in the shallow end and staying away from drains. And always have at least one adult on site keeping an eye on the pool and everyone playing around it.

2. Think about home safety and how it applies to pool activities. For instance, make sure that everyone is properly dried off or wearing dry footwear when going into the house and walking on hard surfaces like tile or wood. Water drips on a slippery surface are the perfect recipe for a fall.

3. If you have a pool at your home, consider the fact that you're obligated to know about safety. Take a CPR training course and learn other life-saving techniques that can save the day, in the event that something should go wrong.

4. Be prepared. Keep an eye on kids at all times, since they are susceptible to drowning. Keep a cell phone or portable home phone close by at all times when people are swimming, in case you should need to call for emergency help. You should also be prepared by having adequate home insurance that addresses any risks associated with your pool.

5. Invest in proper safety equipment for swimmers and your pool. Keeping extra safety gear like life jackets and inflatable arm bands is a good idea - make sure you have them in a variety of sizes to accommodate all swimmers who need them. Additionally, invest in a sturdy, locking pool cover and an alarm that alerts you when someone jumps into the pool.

There are plenty of safety factors to consider during the summer holidays, from grills to fireworks to sunburn. Taking the steps to avoid injuries both inside and outside of the pool will give you peace of mind and make your celebrations that much more fun.