Swimming Pool Toys that Can Pose a Danger 

When it comes time to open the pool for the summer, part of the fun is stocking up on new toys and activities to enjoy in the water. Now more than ever, there is a huge selection of fun and affordable toys to enjoy in the pool. 

Even something simple like a pool noodle can inspire hours of fun for kids in the pool. There are many different toys that can add safe adventure to swimming. But, with a whole variety of new swimming pool toys on the market, there are also some serious safety concerns that should be taken into consideration. 

With some research and proper supervision, you can make sure you, your family, and any guest swimmers are safe when playing with toys in the pool. 

Hidden dangers of pool toys 

It can be hard to imagine a brightly coloured pool toy or float causing harm in the pool. Most swimmers, even adults, feel safer when they have a floating toy to hold on to while swimming. But, water poses a very different environment to play in than land does, especially for children. Some swimming pool toys, though they appear innocuous, can actually pose a serious and unexpected danger in the water. 

Floating toys

Surprisingly, floating toys are some of the most dangerous to add to your pool. Many floating pool toys or “floaties” give a false sense of security to both children and parents. Though they may appear to assist with swimming, many of these toys have not actually been designed to support the weight of a swimmer. 

Floating rings and child-sized inflatable animals have been known to flip upside down, trapping children underwater. In other cases, children can become stuck in uncomfortable positions where they are not actually afloat, while adults believe them to be safely using a toy. 

Many of these toys are not intended to replace supervision, the ability to swim, or a certified floatation device. Don’t hesitate to add that fun donut floatie to your pool this year, but do make sure you don’t leave anyone unsupervised while playing with toys in the pool. 

Armbands and inflatable tubes

Armbands, “water wings” and floating inner tubes can be helpful when parents are playing in the water with children who can’t swim. The small amount of floatation can let kids have a little more mobility within arms reach, and even start to practice the basics of swimming form. 

As children begin to gain independence, many parents make the mistake of relying more and more on these armbands and inflatables to keep new swimmers safe. Parents and adults must always keep in mind that these floatation devices are mostly intended as toys, and should only be used when an adult is within arms reach. 

Oversized pool inflatables 

We have all seen the wave of newly available pool floats. Massive unicorns, flamingos, pizza slices and palm trees have been wildly popular for the past few summers. These toys are great fun and make for perfect summer pictures by the pool. But, they do pose a significant risk when used in a swimming pool. 

Some of these massive pool floats are so large that there is danger posed by height. A child or adult standing atop a floating structure is at risk of a head injury if they fall from a height against the edge of a pool. These toys can also obstruct an adult’s view of the water. The size of these floats can make it difficult to see if a swimmer is in danger, submerged, or trapped underneath the float – or in trouble in another part of the pool. 

Make sure you use large pool floats in your swimming pool with caution. As an aside, you should also be careful with how you use these large pool inflatables in any body of water. If you plan to bring your large float to the lake this summer, make sure not to drift too far off shore. There have been a few incidents of swimmers having to be saved kilometers from shore after a float moves out of control. Check out this scary incident that took place in Lake Ontario. 

Pool Houses 

Part of the large pool float craze is huge pool houses. These floating forts are designed to look like cabins, tree forts, or even spaceships. It is easy to see why they are immediately attractive to kids and adults of all ages. These creative toys can make for a great day of climbing, splashing, and imagination-based activities. 

Pool houses can be great. But, these pool houses can also lead to danger. There is always the possibility that these large structures can trap swimmers in an awkward position or obstruct the supervisor’s view of the pool. If you plan to add a pool house to your toy collection this year, we recommend you only play with it under strict supervision, and make sure that your pool is large enough to allow swimmers to play safely. 

Tips for keeping safe with pool toys 

Pool toys can add so much to a day in the pool. Pool toys can also be used safely when you know what to look for. We’ve put together a few key tips for playing safe with pool toys. But, keep in mind that you should always read and adhere to the safety instructions that come with any pool toy you use. 

Tip 1: No one should ever swim alone

The number one rule of swimming safety is that no one should ever swim alone. This rule is particularly important for children and inexperienced swimmers. But this rule should apply to everyone. Accidents, medical emergencies, or a simple mistake can put even an experienced and confident swimmer in danger. Most importantly, a child should never be left to swim alone, particularly if they are relying on a pool toy to compensate for lack of experience in swimming 

Tip 2: Toys and floatation devices never replace supervision

When a child is in the pool, someone should be paying attention at every minute. Drowning accidents can happen much more quickly than you might imagine, and it only takes a moment for a child to get into trouble. If kids are happily playing with floating toys, make sure you watch them just as closely as you would if they were swimming independently 

Tip 3: Buy approved and rated floatation devices when needed

If you are looking for a reliable floatation device to ensure a child or adult is extra-safe in the pool, there are many to choose from. Make sure to choose a well-fitting and rated life jacket and use it according to the instructions each and every time. Even when using a high-quality life-saving floatation device, swimmers should never be unsupervised 

Tip 4: Let other adults know about toy safety when they supervise your pool

If you have a busy home and frequently host guests, it is important that you make every adult aware and responsible for pool and pool toy safety. This will allow you to rotate attention, take breaks, and ensure that everyone is safe whenever they are in the pool. 

Tip 5: Teach children to swim as soon as possible

One of the best ways to ensure everyone is safe in the pool is to provide them with the skills they need to be confident. Swimming lessons should begin as soon as possible for all children, but especially those who spend a lot of time in or near the water. Well-rounded lessons will teach children how to hold their own in the water, and how to avoid dangerous situations while they swim 

Tip 6: Maintain a clear view of the pool

One of the major dangers of pool toys is obstructing the surface so much that supervisors will not be able to see a swimmer in danger. Make a rule that the pool will never be overcrowded with pool toys, and immediately remove a few if you are having trouble supervising. 

Tip 7: Recognize the signs of drowning

The signs of drowning as not always as clear as you might think. If you will ever be in the position to supervise swimmers, we recommend that you take some time to learn the signs of drowning and what it looks like. 

Tip 8: Learn first aid

Adults who will be supervising swimmers can really benefit from a first aid course. In just a few hours, you can learn the skills you need to save the life of a swimmer who is in danger. 

The Red Cross of Canada provides information on drowning and what drowning looks like. Contact the Red Cross for more information on learning First Aid. 

Enjoying the swimming pool safely 

Swimming pool toys are more affordable and exciting than ever. Any pool owner or swimming enthusiast is bound to develop a collection of bright, fun and inspiring pol toys to enjoy each summer. These pools can add a lot to playtime, and even encourage kids to spend more time in the pool getting exercise. 

By being aware of the dangers of some of these pool toys, you can be sure that you, your family and your friends are safe, and can spend the summer enjoying the pool (and all of your toys).