https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:33:14 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2665860 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 13:58:22 +0000 FaithFertility 2665860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: Great update! </p> <p>We are going to my mom's house which has a unfenced pool because it is in a screened in porch area, and half is actually in the house but surrounded by glass, weird set up I know! </p> <p>DH works that night so I am talkin DD 2 and DS 2 months by myself!</p> <p>Even though I am around family and not that many people it scares me because DH isn't there to split kiddo responsibilities!</p> <p>I metioned it to my mom today and her response......<br /> Ohh someone whould hear her fall in :(<br /> Ummm not what I wanted to hear MOM, how about I will help watch her or DS now I have anxiety! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2665787 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 12:48:11 +0000 Cole 2665787@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm at glad to hear they ordered a fence! You originally posted this right when I found out we are going on a trip with my in laws and the house they rented has a pool right outside the door (so nothing between the door and the pool) and I'm terrified. I may order that pool alarm, it's so expensive for a week but my mil and fil are oblivious about stuff like keeping the door closed and it could be a disaster. If anyone has another suggestion though I'm all ears! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2665627 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 09:09:45 +0000 Mamaof2 2665627@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: great news!!! That must be such a relief! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2665579 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 00:27:31 +0000 ALV91711 2665579@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: Glad to hear this. You will definitely enjoy the party more now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2665522 Wed, 14 Dec 2016 19:33:44 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2665522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: that's great. And something she needed anyway with a LO on the way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2665434 Wed, 14 Dec 2016 16:07:11 +0000 birdofafeather 2665434@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: I spoke to my MIL a few days after I posted when they were visiting. She totally understood my concern and said quickly, don't worry, I'll make sure it's taken care of!</p> <p>And I followed up with her today and she said that they actually ordered a mesh fence on Amazon (probably one link above!!) and it's gonna be installed before the party! I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Now we can enjoy the party a little bit more without worrying about such a big hazard! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2664650 Tue, 13 Dec 2016 09:58:20 +0000 Mamaof2 2664650@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: curious if there was an update on this </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658997 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 00:40:12 +0000 gingerbebe 2658997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>ARGH HB ate my post!</p> <p>We just had this problem at my aunt's house for Thanksgiving in LA. They have an unfenced pool, but we always stay inside for the meal. Despite the fact that everything is held indoors, DH and I have always been hyper vigilant about one of us hovering near the sliding glass door or staying by our 2-year old son, who LOVES the water and is super fast. This year, everyone kept opening the sliding door because the kitchen was hot and I kept slamming it closed and locking it the whole afternoon while sticking to my toddler and managing a 6 month old. It was exhausting and we left in under 2 hours. There are other kids in the family, but we have the youngest ones so no one cares about the pool safety thing but us. </p> <p>I think if I were in your shoes and the party was actively going to be held indoors and outdoors, I would make DS wear his swim vest. We own this one - its super cheap, very light, he can play just fine in it, and it keeps him buoyant:</p> <p><a href="http://a.co/iQnKQ0O" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/iQnKQ0O</a></p> <p>For your younger child, I would imagine someone would always be watching her, but if you're still worried, I would rock this guy:</p> <p><a href="http://a.co/dejUCi3" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/dejUCi3</a></p> <p>That doesn't solve the issue of securing the pool for the other children attending, but it would at least make a point to your ILs that the pool is not safe. </p> <p>Also, if they aren't going to fix the pool in the near future, I would seriously consider sending your kids to ISR school.</p> <p><a href="https://www.infantswim.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.infantswim.com/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658953 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 21:28:42 +0000 LemonJack 2658953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Reading this literally made my heart start to race. I have a 2.5 year old who is FAST and has no fear, and I would have a miserable time at a party like that because I would be so nervous the entire time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658879 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 17:13:00 +0000 mrswin 2658879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: is a cover like this an option? My parents have one to prevent the dog from falling in...lol </p> [attach=1414/16/ohfcdo.337x600.IMG_1935.PNG] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658859 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:30:41 +0000 Mrsbells 2658859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: I have a witnessed a drowning that nearly took a life so I am with you 100% on the need to get the pool secure. It only takes a few minutes for a child to drown and its very hard to keep track of every single child at every minute when theres a lot going on. I personally wouldnt be ok with them not having a fence. To me thats not being a responsible pool owner </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658852 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:17:06 +0000 BSB 2658852@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: Oh, gotcha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658849 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:15:25 +0000 birdofafeather 2658849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: it's a non standard size/shape so that's why they haven't purchased a cover for it themselves. from my hazy recollection, a fancy pool cover from a rental place was thousands. i think renting a fence would be more cost effective. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658842 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:02:32 +0000 MamaG 2658842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: I think your approach is completely reasonable at this point.</p> <p>I will say this, we are pool owners and our pool is not fenced (yard is). This is a choice we have made, and I get that many people will call us irresponsible. But I also realize the seriousness of the pool. It's why we don't host other children in our home and why we don't spend much time in our backyard. My 5 year old is finally to the point where I trust her to be more than an arms reach from me in our back yard without a puddle jumper on. My 2 year old, no way!</p> <p>We were at a 5 year old birthday party recently where the situation was similar. Indoor/outdoor activities - kids and adults coming and going. The home had a pool, no pool fence. I was okay with my 5 year old but kept an eye on her. There were other parents there (non pool owners) that were really nervous as their kids aren't exposed to the situation as often. Had I been aware of the situation in advance we would have likely declined the invite. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658840 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:00:44 +0000 BSB 2658840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So will the pool be used by the adults? I assumed it would be too cold to be used, which is why I suggested the rented pool cover. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658820 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 15:45:51 +0000 PawPrints 2658820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hummusgirl: The person would be hired for the purpose of rescuing a child who was already in the water. Without a fence, the likelihood is that a kid is going to end up in the water - one hired attendant is not going to be able to prevent kids from running in because they can't physically block the entire perimeter. So you're paying that person to save the life of a child who is already drowning. Lifeguards are trained in how to retrieve a person from the water in a way that is less likely to injure them (a significant risk), and they are trained in CPR/first response once the child is back on land. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658809 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 15:28:11 +0000 JenGirl 2658809@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yup. That would make me super nervous. Drowing is one of the leading causes of death in toddlers. I think it would be a great idea to hire a non-guest to watch the pool. A trained lifeguard would be ideal, but I'd feel much more at ease, with even a reliable teenager or adult who agrees to watch the pool the entire time with no checking their phone or other distractions (have them ask the host to take over if they need to run to the bathroom). While a lifeguard would be great, I'm not a lifeguard, but feel reasonably certain I could fish my kid out of an empty backyard swimming pool, should he fall in. </p> <p>If a full on fence isn't feasible, I like the idea of flags that create a line that you can tell the kids they can't go past and have the person watching the pool enforce that. </p> <p>On top of all that, I'd still keep a close eye on my kiddos, but I'd be comfortable going. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658802 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 15:13:10 +0000 MrsSCB 2658802@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know it's not ideal, but the medical center where I work recommends that at pool parties you have an adult designated as pool watcher at all times (even going so far as to have a special hat or something for the pool watcher to wear) and to switch who's doing it every 15 minutes. So there's always an adult whose sole job is to be watching the pool. Obviously you would need to trust whichever adults were taking on this responsibility. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658796 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 15:03:51 +0000 Banana330 2658796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about lifejackets for the kids.. they can't go outside without one on... I once babysat on an island and that was the rule, if you went out side you had to be wearing lifejacket if you were under 10. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658793 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:58:46 +0000 Iced Tea 2658793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: I think that sounds like a good plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658789 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:56:18 +0000 Iced Tea 2658789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds like they aren't motivated to remedy the issue. I would probably tell her that it's too anxiety provoking for you guys attending a busy party with an unsecured pool. I'd stress that she doesn't understand how quickly a pool can turn deadly for a small child, therefore, you guys are going to have to skip it. There's a small chance it will make her think, but I wouldn't count on it. Later, when she has a child, she'll likely realize why you took it so seriously. I'd also inform the cousins with small children so they can make an informed decision for themselves. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible/page/2#post-2658785 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:49:48 +0000 hummusgirl 2658785@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PawPrints: I respectfully disagree. Sure a lifeguard would be ideal but we're not talking about a pool party where there's chaos and they're specially trained to look out for the one person out of many who's drowning, it's literally watching an empty pool and the area around it. I'm not a trained lifeguard but I would trust myself to do it. </p> <p>If I were the OP, I'd probably do a few things: 1) hire a teenager or two to watch the pool, 2) put up some kind of barrier (like stakes in the ground with some pennants) and tell the kids not to go past it, and 3) watch my kids like a hawk, dividing and conquering with my husband if needed. I think the scariest thing is when you and your partner each think the other is watching the kids and in reality no one is. It wouldn't be as fun for us unfortunately, but oh well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible#post-2658782 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:47:17 +0000 birdofafeather 2658782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2PeasinaPod: i'm not freaking out on her every time we're over there or anything (when she had another party, it was just DD1, so any time i had to step away, i made sure to say to whomever, okay, DD1 is with you now, so please don't let her walk away and DH and i were on the same page with that). but i feel as a pool owner who is hosting a large party with young children, it IS her and BIL's responsibility to take some sort of steps for safety. and i think because they don't realize the issue, i should speak up. it's not my pool so i can't force them to do anything, but i can point it out to them as a legit concern that myself and other parents will have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible#post-2658779 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:43:05 +0000 birdofafeather 2658779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: that's a good question and i think my ace in the hole. we skipped the party last year because we lived further away, DH was working christmas eve and i didn't want to drive with both girls by myself for 4+ hours round trip to attend the party by myself with a newborn and crazy almost 3 year old and then book it back home to be with DH for christmas day. it was at my MIL's last year and i know she was upset!</p> <p>so this year, i think she will do anything to make sure we're there.</p> <p>after thinking about more (thanks for all the great suggestions!!) i'm going to let it simmer until Friday because my in laws are coming up to hang and then i'm gonna ask casually if they had come up with any ideas (SIL1 asked SIL2 about what they could do after i voiced my concerns and SIL1 also messaged FIL about it too) and if they brush it off or have no ideas, i will put up my stand then. i feel like i'm not losing any time at that point, but i'm also not coming out like a hound and then they will know i'm serious.</p> <p>i appreciate the validation for y'all. i know when you don't have young kids, it's not on your radar, but i do feel like it's a big enough deal that it needs to be addressed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible#post-2658776 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:37:06 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2658776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>While I think you have every right to be nervous about this (I would be too), it's understandable that she doesn't have much of a concern. She doesn't have any kids yet, and has no idea what it's like to have a toddler who doesn't know any better heading straight for the water. I know it's upsetting that she doesn't seem to be making it a priority, but she sounds as if she's just not aware of the danger and anxiety it causes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible#post-2658770 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:34:10 +0000 psw27 2658770@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This makes me incredibly nervous when I go to my MILs house but she does nothing to remedy it except say how nervous it makes her and put the onus on me and DH to basically hawk eye our LO constantly for a week. It's exhausting. If it was a huge crowded party, I would be very nervous because it takes literally seconds for kids to end up in the water. No real advice, but I commiserate with your frustration. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible#post-2658766 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:27:39 +0000 Foodnerd81 2658766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: what do you think would happen if you say you just can't go if there is no fence or other safety issue? Like, will it be a huge blow up or will it be, wow, she's serious about this, maybe I should look into it more. Because I agree with you on your concerns. It's just too scary and kids are too fast. ANd it's really serious when they have a kid! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible#post-2658765 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:27:10 +0000 Mamaof2 2658765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: I would be worried too - water scares the CRAP out me!!!! I really hope you can find a solution!</p> <p>I will say though before I had kids it might have crossed my mind to have a pool fence but it wouldn't be a priority! I am sure once your SIL has a kid of her own she will be much more vigilant when it comes to safety!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible#post-2658764 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:27:03 +0000 littlejoy 2658764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: It's such a real concern. I don't know any kids, personally, who have been involved in pool incidents, but I've seen plenty of these situations online (Hellobee, people I follow on IG, etc.). </p> <p>We have a friend who had a net installed over their pool. Expensive, and a process to install ... but their 3 year old has fallen on the net FIVE times in the last year. Literally a lifesaver. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-a-pool-kid-safe-temporarily-for-a-party-is-this-possible#post-2658758 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:23:25 +0000 birdofafeather 2658758@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FaithFertility: probably not as we've never had it there before. Any other house with a pool or spa was completely gated off or covered with no access. </p> <p>@kiddosc: well, that was the off handed comment from my other SIL so I don't know the full story behind that one. </p> <p>@littlejoy: thanks. I was starting to feel like I was being unreasonable (I seriously ask about the fence every couple months that we go there, not in annoying way, but, oh, have you thought about it?) but this thread is reminding me that this is a real issue and the other thread about kids going unattended at holiday parties.... yeah, I don't want to think about that at this party. </p>