Jumping and pools

rosesandpetals

Jumping is an issue with the pool. They're opening the pool right now so it's been resurrected in the neighborhood, I'm curious what TB thinks.

There seem to be 3 camps. 1) Never let kids jump because they splash and it is annoying. 2) Don't let kids jump because they don't jump far enough and could hit their head or land on someone and get hurt. and 3) Let all the kids jump all the times.

Do you let your kids jump? Any thoughts? I'm always amazed at the things that are issues that I never even thought about pre-baby.

jensriot

We let our kids jump into the pool. We try to teach them how to do so safely. I get nervous sometimes if they start getting careless and too close to the edge. Making no jumping a rule at a public/neighborhood pool just because they might splash and annoy someone is ridiculous. I understand the safety aspect of that rule, but I imagine it would be hard to enforce. Kids want to jump in. Hell, most adults I know like to jump in.

rosesandpetals

JenS2203 said:

We let our kids jump into the pool. We try to teach them how to do so safely. I get nervous sometimes if they start getting careless and too close to the edge. Making no jumping a rule at a public/neighborhood pool just because they might splash and annoy someone is ridiculous. I understand the safety aspect of that rule, but I imagine it would be hard to enforce. Kids want to jump in. Hell, most adults I know like to jump in.

Most of the people in our neighborhood are older. The only ones with kids are me and one other family, but a lot of people bring their grandkids over. The people complaining are crotchety old people who have a "they don't even live here" attitude (It is the HOA's pool). Some of them are happy just to see the little kids, others just love to complain. /shrug

I agree, it will be hard to enforce.

lightgetsin

I let them jump in the pool but teach them to jump out far enough and watch out for other people. Jumping in the pool is like 90% of the fun when you are a kid.

Andrewsgal

Yes I let them jump, but teach them how to do so safely.

AKB090609

I am pro-jumping, I do think it is important to teach kids how to do it safely (knowing where it is safe to jump, jumping far enough...) and respectfully (checking where others are, making sure that people who may not want to be splashed won't be, saying sorry if you accidentally do splash someone...)

zbeesma86

I let Z jump into the pool. We usually just go to my parents to swim so they don't mind. They think she's cute jumping in with her little vest on.

I'm more of a no running by the pool person. Jumping in is fun! I do it sometimes! haha

Eskimokisses13

Yes, I let them jump.  Both kids were taught to jump at swimming lessons.  They know that they must stand at the very edge of the deck before they jump (both kids had a problem with standing too far back at first) and wait for my command before entering. 

That being said, I do take into account who is in the pool around us, before I let them jump.  If we have plenty of space and we will not disturb/splash anyone, I let them have fun.  We used to live in a retirement area and so there were many days when we were the only under 60s in the pool.  If I could find a secluded space for them to jump then I let them.

LatteLady5

LalaMama81 said:

This practically sounds like a joke. Yes, they're allowed to jump. In fact, it's encouraged. I teach them how to do it safely, as to the lifeguards during lessons. I also teach them to not jump near others, especially adults. No running and jumping because there's never running on the pool deck. We also have 15 minutes of daily swim every hour, so adults who are cranky about being wet (at a pool!) can have their time. I would laugh at someone if they were proposing a no jumping rule.

Same.

penguingrrl

Umm, it never occurred to me not to let them jump into the pool.

outnumbered

We use a Y pool and jumping is allowed.  We can only jump off one side of the pool (in the deep end).  When the camp kids use the pool they jump from a designated spot marked off by two cones. There is no running to jump and you must look before you leap.  I make my kids stay away from the old ladies who gossip in the corner.  I am kind of afraid of them and they might melt if they are splashed.

rosesandpetals

penguingrrl said:

Umm, it never occurred to me not to let them jump into the pool.

It would if you lived here. They just filled the pool a few days ago, it isn't even swimmable yet, and people are all ready griping about it.

I do think part of the issue is that the pool is paid for with HOA money and the kids don't live here. I have no problem with it, I like DD to get the interaction. But then I guess I can kind of understand intentionally picking an area with no or few kids and then being annoyed when the pool is swarming with them.

penguingrrl

roses&65335678 said:

penguingrrl said:

Umm, it never occurred to me not to let them jump into the pool.

It would if you lived here. They just filled the pool a few days ago, it isn't even swimmable yet, and people are all ready griping about it.

I do think part of the issue is that the pool is paid for with HOA money and the kids don't live here. I have no problem with it, I like DD to get the interaction. But then I guess I can kind of understand intentionally picking an area with no or few kids and then being annoyed when the pool is swarming with them.

If kids are that big an issue you need to get your own private pool. Because even in 55+ communities grandkids can and do come visit.

rosesandpetals

LalaMama81 said:

Where are the kids coming from? Friebds? Camps? Memberships?

There aren't memberships, you're only allowed to use the pool as a guest of someone in the neighborhood and there are rules about how many guests each person can have. The ones I've talked to have all been the grandchildren of my neighbors. Except I have had DH's cousin come over with her 2 kids. But no camps or memberships.

But yeah, people do call you out on the guest number so I'm not at all surprised something like this is an issue.

Penguingrrl, I'm not defending it!

spring_time

I am pro-jumping. However, I think it is important to teach children to jump respectfully.  They need to take a look around and make sure no adults are being splashed in the process.

On an unrelated note, your daughter is adorable and her dress is precious.  Where did you get the dress?

CiderWench

LalaMama81 said:

I could see a no jumping rule if it was an over 55 place or something, but a regular neighborhood that just happens to be light on kids right now? Too bad, so sad, it's a pool. I'm not saying the kids should be obnoxious but there are ways to deal w/ this - adult swim times, having a kid side and an adult side, etc. 

This seems like the most reasonable solution. That way people annoyed by jumping know they can sit/swim in an area where they don't have to be pestered by it. I can see where a community with older residents might be annoyed by kids jumping in from all sides.

JENandJEH

It's not a neighborhood pool, but the pool on our Army post has 15 minutes of adult swim every hour.  There are young families and retirees that use this pool so there is a good mix of ages with the majority being young families and kids.  The last 15 minutes of every hour are adult swim and no child may be in the pool at that time.  This gives any adults that want a calm pool a bit of time without kids jumping and splashing.  

I allow DS1 to jump but we've talked about being aware of who is around and being considerate of others.  No running and jumping, just jumping from the edge.  I don't appreciate when another child jumps in right next to me but it's a pool and I feel like that's just par for the course.  

rosesandpetals

spring_time said:

I am pro-jumping. However, I think it is important to teach children to jump respectfully.  They need to take a look around and make sure no adults are being splashed in the process.

On an unrelated note, your daughter is adorable and her dress is precious.  Where did you get the dress?

Thank you! I got the dress from Target. I think it is my favorite outfit of hers so far.