Crystal Merritt What is a splash pad?
A splash pad is a small wading pool, or water recreation area. Usually, they have little to no standing water but lots of water fountains, spray pads and buckets for kids to play in. Splash pads are a great way to stay cool for the summer! It keeps younger kids entertained because the shallow water reduces risks of drowning and they are able to walk around. But, there’s a few things you should know before entering!
Splash Pad Germs
According to the CDC, it can be difficult to adequately disinfect splash pads. There are very few regulations because splash pads are not considered “aquatic venues” like pools that have strict regulations. It’s important to properly maintain the water pipes, filters and equipment to create healthy and safe splash pads. Most splash pads are sanitized with chlorine. Though chlorine can kill most germs within minutes, poop germs can stay alive for up to 7 days! Most splash pads have a water filter to recirculate and disinfect water before spraying it again. But there’s some other rules of the splash pad experience to keep everyone healthy, safe and happy! In other words, don’t be a jerk. Follow the rules and these tips for a fun time for all!
Rules of the Splash Pad
1. Stay home if you’re sick.
Speaking of germs, stay out of the water if you are sick! Remember that some germs can withstand the chlorine treatment for the water, so it’s important to keep illnesses and germs out of the water. This is especially true if you’re kiddo has an upset stomach or diarrhea. Also, make sure not to swallow the water. The chemicals and germs in the water can make kids sick and there have been several cases of splash pad related illnesses and death from irregulated splash pads. Keep a water bottle handy and remind your kiddo to take water breaks so they’re not inclined to sip from the fountains! Download the CDC’s printable fact sheet below to keep and pass along to your local municipalities to post in their water areas.
Make A Healthy Splash!
2. Rinse before you enter.
Have children shower before getting in the water. Rinsing before you enter can wash any unwanted germs off your body. If the park or venue that you are using offers an outdoor shower, turn it on and get under! If you’re kiddos are not used to the shower, start by having them put their feet in. You can “fly” them through the running shower or have them pretend it’s raining on their head!
3. Actively supervise.
DID YOU KNOW? A leading cause of death to children ages 1–4 in Florida is drowning. These tragedies can occur in less time than it takes to throw in the laundry and in less water than a shallow puddle.
In Florida, we’re surrounded by water! Community lakes, canals, home swimming pools, and even your bathtub and toilet can be dangerous when leaving children, especially smaller children, unsupervised.
It is VERY important to inform yourself of water safety practices. Please visit Water Smart FL for information and resources on drowning prevention.
I got this cool lanyard to wear at the Splash Pad and share with my community to keep all our kids safer. Assigning an adult as a “Water Watcher” prevents the terrible conversation after an accident that starts with “I thought you were watching…”. Make it clear WHO is in charge of supervising the kids at the pool or splash pad. Pass off the necklace to who’s next in charge. It acts as a visual and physical reminder of the responsibility and importance of constantly and actively supervising the kids.
“By wearing this badge, I am agreeing to supervise children in, on, and around the water, keeping them in my sight at all times. I will not leave the area without assigning a responsible replacement.”
4. Take breaks.
Take kids on bathroom breaks and check diapers every hour. Note that swim diapers don’t stop germs, poop or pee from getting in the water. So, if your little one isn’t potty trained, stop and go frequently to prevent the spread of germs. Pack easy slip-on shoes for the bathroom. These outdoor bathrooms aren’t always the cleanest.
Make sure you take breaks for water, too. Drinking water frequently prevents the kiddos from slurping from the splash pad. Yuck. We mentioned the easy spread of germs and bacteria so the last thing we want is the babe drinking from the wrong fountain!
5. What to wear and bring?
A splash pad trip requires quite a few things to make it simple and painless. I try and pack our bags the night before so it’s a quick exit in the morning (morning hours are not as hot as after naptime- and trust me, they’ll SLEEP HARD after a morning at the splash pad!). Here’s a few must-haves:
- Shoes
- Change of dry clothes
- Water
- Towel
- Sunscreen
For more splash pad trip essentials, check out our Splash Pad Essentials: Must Haves for a Great Summer (Coming soon!)
Have fun and be safe!
