Alcohol and Your Pool: Tips for Safety

Everyone knows that drinking around the pool is not recommended. However, many people love having a poolside sip from time to time. This is especially true for pool parties or gatherings that include adults.

And, while it may be “best practice” to avoid poolside alcohol, there are some easy tips that can keep everyone safe if you do imbibe.

Have A Designated Swimmer

When you go out on the town, it’s common to appoint someone as the “designated driver.” And, going out to the pool is no different. If you’re having a party, find at least one responsible adult who is a good swimmer, and get them to agree to stay sober for the night. This person can keep a watchful eye over everything and will be able to act responsibly just in case.

Stay In The Shallow End

If you’re having a gathering with drinks, why not designate the deeper end of your pool as “off limits?” After all, no one wants to have a drink and then do some heavy swimming, nor should they. Plus, the risk of drowning or an accident is greatly reduced by keeping everyone in water that doesn’t go over their heads.

Keep The Water Flowing

Alcohol can be dehydrating, especially on a hot summer day. As such, make sure to keep plenty of water on hand and encourage everyone to drink it. A good general rule is to have one glass of water for every drink. This not only keeps you hydrated but can also keep people from drinking too much.

Say No To Swimming Alone

Finally, ensure that no one ever swims alone. This includes you, even if it's your own pool. When there are always two people around, there’s always someone to help in the event of an emergency. Honestly, this is a good rule to follow at all times, even when the alcohol isn’t flowing.

Remember, the best rule of thumb is to avoid mixing alcohol and swimming pools. But, when this combination does occur, as it often does, these tips can help to keep everyone protected so that here will be many more pool parties to come.