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Going to the pool this summer is a great way to pass the time, but don’t forget safety first. Then all the necessities to fill your pool bag with momma’s. The last thing you want to do is get to the pool to realize you forgot something important behind, which means you may have to go back home.
Having a list of all your pool essentials makes it virtually inevitable, that will leave anything behind. Plus, the following list is printer-friendly.
Always pack the following in your Pool Bag:
- Swimsuit and cover-up if you need to run to the bathroom or the concessions. I will provide some of my favorites below.
- Sunscreen to protect your skin. Use one with a minimum of SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, more frequently if you’re in the water.
- Sandals, as often the cement around the pool, can get hot. Let alone you don’t want to bare feet in a public bathroom. (Gross!)
- Hat to protect the delicate skin on your face and scalp.
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, as well as the glare from the sun off the water. You only get one set of eyes in life so protect them as much as possible
- Towels to dry off before getting back in the car if you don’t have a chance to change beforehand.
- A change of clothes in the event of an emergency.
- Goggles
- Snacks/food to fight off the angry, hungry monsters kids often become.
- Water
- Toys
- Dive toys for good swimmers are a great option
- Squirt Guns
- Floats
- First Aid Kit as kids are prone to cuts and scrapes.
First Aid Kit Supplies You Will Want To Have:
- absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
- antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
- antiseptic wipe packets
- packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
- a blanket (space blanket)
- instant cold compress
- pairs of nonlatex gloves
- hydrocortisone ointment packets
- scissors
- roller bandage (3 inches wide)
- roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
- sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
- oral thermometer
- triangular bandages
- tweezers
The boys and I try to go to the pool weekly. The number one thing I never forget is bathing suits and sunscreen. The most common thing I do forget is towels. I would forget the toys, hats, and floats if I didn’t keep them in the car with a fully stocked first aid kit.
Emergency response may not start or end with the first aid kit. So don’t forget to always swim with a lifeguard present.
Click here to download a printable version of the checklist above.
Sincerely,
Carol
As a nan, I still have to remember most of what is on your list as the parents always forget something haha
irishtwins16
That is true! My item yesterday was water shoes and the ground was so hot I let them just wear tennis shoes in.
Amelia
I smiled when I read the post as remember my mother taking me to the city pool. We didn’t have a vehicle. She always took a blanket to sit on and a book to read while I ran in and out of the pool.
Marian Wood
I struggle taking both kids to the pool. Neither can swim so it has to be one at the time. Daddy will rarely come with us. I used to go once a week with my daughter before she started school, but now the opportunity is rarely there. Great pool bag list!
Angela Miconi
You know, I never thought about adding a first aid kit but you’re right. It’s totally a good idea since kids do tend to do stupid stuff (occasionally). Great list!
Tiffany
Yeah the first aid kit is a great idea! My granddaughter always runs and you know that means a skinned knee!
Brenda West
This is great and you’ve covered all of the bases!! Have a great summer!! 🙂
Esmé Slabbert
Always a fun event, but as our kids are grown-ups with their own kiddos, Grandma can now start to take the little ones to the pool, but with having two for each of our own kids, yes, Ouma will need an extra pair of hands to help with the younglings.
arv
That’s a good list to go by!
Tranyce
I don’t have kids but I figured this is a good list when taking someone else’s kids and yourself. It’s funny how we forget the simplest things. I am going to make sure that I pack the right size towels because I always end up with the short ones. Thanks for the handy list!
Melissa Ortiz
Great list!
I love that you incorporated the first-aid kit.
I keep one in my car but often forget to take it with me to the pool and have had to sheepishly ask a lifeguard or employee or stranger for band-aids on many occasions!
Megan | Ginger Mom & Company
This is a great list! We don’t go to the public pool very often (ewe) but we’ve got a kiddie pool that our little ones absolutely love. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ceci Rey
I love this! I am always surprised when we have guests…knowing we are going to the beach or pool…and don’t come prepared. Thanks for sharing!
Britt
Great suggestions, especially the first aid kit. I feel like too many mommas forget to throw that in their bag and are left trying to find a bandaid or other supplies when something happens.
Chocoviv
Great idea!