Tips on Hopping Into a Pool

Playing in the pool is a great way to cool off in the summer, but it can be dangerous if you do not follow proper safety rules. You might enjoy just hopping into the pool, but it is important to take precautions when making your big splash. Make sure the pool is deep enough when you hop in and avoid jumping on or near any people or objects.

  1. No Running Starts

    • The deck of a pool can become slippery when it gets wet. When you are getting ready to hop in the pool, stand near the edge to jump. Don't get a running start even if you want to make a big splash. You can slip if you run on the wet deck and risk getting a serious head injury.

    Check the Pool's Depth

    • Jumping or diving into a shallow pool can be dangerous---if not deadly. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that this dangerous activity can lead to serious spinal cord injuries, permanent brain damage or death. Even if you jump feet first, you can seriously hurt yourself if the pool is too shallow. Make sure the pool area where you intend to jump is deep enough.

    Make Sure the Area is Clear

    • It's easy to get hurt and injure others if you hop into a crowded pool. Jump into a clear area of the pool, away from crowds. Out of courtesy, try to avoid making a splash around people who are sitting along the edge of the pool---they might not want to get wet.

    Jump Head or Feet First

    • Avoid the infamous belly flops or back flops when you're jumping into a pool. Although they might be funny and create a big splash, they hurt. You will get a welt on your skin, and the pain could irritate you enough to ruin your day at the pool. Avoid the pain by hopping into the pool feet first---or head first if you know how to dive.

    Avoid Pool Toys and Floats

    • It might seem like a good idea to try to impress your friends by jumping into an inner tube, but you risk injury if you try this. Jumping into or onto pool floats or toys is dangerous because the item can slip out from under you and you can hit your head on the pool deck. Hop into a pool area clear of floats and toys.