Kids love to swim and play, which makes hot tubs great family fun. But as any parent knows, kids aren’t always careful and accidents happen.
Because of that, if you’re going to have a hot tub on your property it is important to take precautions that will keep everyone safe.
Here are nine outdoor fun activities for families with kids safety tips you should consider before installing a hot tub on your property.
Table of Contents
1. Hot Tubs Are Dangerous for Children
According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), between 1990 and 2008 there were over 2,700 hot tub-related injuries reported in children under 15 years old—and two deaths.
2. Keep Your Child Out of The Water When You’re Not There
This may seem obvious, but many parents don’t realize how easy it is for young children to fall into a hot tub.
If you must leave your child alone near water, never leave them unattended near water that isn’t fenced off or secured by an adult.
3. Don’t Let Young Children Use A Hot Tub Without An Adult Present
CPSC reports that children aged 5 and younger accounted for one-third of all hot tub injuries involving children from 1990 to 2008.
4. Always Check For Leaks Before Using A Hot Tub
Leaks can lead to serious burns, so be sure to check for leaks every time you use your hot tub.
5. Never Leave A Child Unattended In Or Near The Hot Tub
As stated above, even when you think your child is far enough away from the hot tub they could easily slip and fall in.
6. Make Sure All Swimmers Have Been Vaccinated
Make Sure All Swimmers Have Been Vaccinated Against Diseases That Can Be Transmitted Through Pool Water. Diseases such as polio, hepatitis B, meningitis, and even whooping cough can be transmitted through pool water; make sure that anyone who uses your hot tub has been vaccinated against these diseases.
7. Watch For Signs Of Hypothermia And Hyperthermia
Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit; hyperthermia occurs when body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Stay Hydrated While Enjoying Your Hot Tub
Drinking lots of water while enjoying your hot tub helps prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.
9. Set Limits On Time Spent In The Hot Tub
Just like with anything else, too much of a good thing can cause problems.
So set limits on how long each person spends in your hot tub to help avoid overheating and other issues related to extended exposure to high temperatures.