How to Plan a Safe Labor Day Pool Party (5 Simple Tips)

Your Labor Day pool party should be the highlight of the summer. With a little planning, you can keep it fun and safe for every guest. Here are five tips to help you pull it off.

1. Decide who's coming before you plan anything else.

Will this be adults only or a family event? If kids are coming, make sure you have enough responsible adults to supervise them in and around the pool. If it's your first time hosting, keep the guest list small. Fewer people means fewer details to manage.

2. Set safety expectations before the party starts.

Share your pool safety guidelines with guests ahead of time, and ask parents to review them with their kids. On the day of the party, post a pool rules sign where everyone can see it. For additional resources, visit poolsafely.gov and the American Red Cross.

3. Assign pool supervision shifts.

If kids are in the mix, designate responsible adults to specific 15 to 30 minute supervision shifts. Write the schedule out ahead of time and share it clearly. When someone is on duty, their only job is watching the pool. No eating, no chatting.

4. Keep alcohol in check.

If you're serving alcohol, limit the options to beer and wine. Offer plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives like mocktails, fresh juice, or sparkling water. Serve food before the drinks come out so no one's drinking on an empty stomach.

5. Keep a safety kit poolside.

Before the party, put together a pool emergency kit and leave it accessible throughout the event. The American Red Cross recommends:

• First aid kit
• Life jackets in multiple sizes
• A whistle
• A reaching device (rescue tube, shepherd's crook, or pole with a loop)
• A throwing device (foam ring buoy)
• A landline or phone preset with emergency contacts

Ready to get your pool party-ready? Start with your pool safety checklist.