Things You Should Never Let Your Kid Do at the Pool

If you put SPF on your kids the instant you get to the pool, you might already be too late for optimal protection. You should apply SPF 30 or higher on their entire body before they even put on their swimsuit. After that, reapply to any exposed skin every two hours or as soon as they get out of the pool.

It's easy to rely on arm floaties so your child can hang out in the pool risk-free, but according to lifeguards, they should never be used as a water safety tool.

Even though this section is full of water toys and fun, if the facility doesn't maintain it properly, it could be slimy and prone to slips and spills. Spray jets may also use water that continually recycles through, which means if it's infected with parasites and bacteria and your kids drink some, this could lead to illness.

There's no harm in kids sharing goggles with each other, right? Not necessarily. According to the CDC, the viral skin infection molluscum contagiosum can easily be spread in children, and one of the most common ways is through sharing items like goggles and other pool toys.

It's easy to want to enter relaxation mode and shut your eyes at the pool. After all, most parents think if their child is in danger, they'll hear them splash around or yell, but that's not the case.