A Story about Pool Safety

Dec 31 2025

Gabrielle Dolan the author of the book Story Intelligence tells an intriguing story to her daughter about why not to jump into the pool.

The story was about when their Aunty Ali (my younger sister) jumped into the pool on top of me and her knee collided with my front tooth and broke it in half (my tooth, not her knee). Aunty Ali got into a load of trouble from Nana for jumping into the pool.
Alex and Jess loved that story so much. I cannot tell you how many times they asked me to retell it. I think they liked the idea of their big, grown-up aunty getting in trouble from her mum (their nana).
Years later, when Alex was about 10 and her friends came over for a swim, I overheard her telling everyone that they were not allowed to jump into the pool. She then went on to relay the story about her Aunty Ali to explain why.

So why was this story so effective?

• It uses story telling effectively
• There is an emotional trigger (grown-up aunty getting in trouble from her mum)
• It is not a demand, which we often resent
• Stories can be remembered
• Stories can be retold

Google Ai Overview came up with an interesting story regarding pool safety-:

Leo and the Shallow Splash

Leo the lion cub loved the water more than anything. He could swim, float, and splash with the best of them. One sunny afternoon, Leo was playing by the pool with his friends. The big kids were having a jumping contest, making huge splashes and cheering. Leo, eager to join the fun, wanted to jump in too.
"Wait, Leo!" called out Ellie the Elephant, who was the designated Water Watcher. "Did you check the water first?"
Leo paused. He really wanted to impress his friends with a big jump, but he remembered the rules his parents had taught him: Always, always enter the water feet first if you don't know the depth, and never jump into a crowded or shallow area. The section where the big kids were jumping was the shallow end, and Leo knew hitting the bottom could cause serious injuries.
"The deep end is where you can jump," Ellie reminded him, pointing to the other side of the pool where the water was much deeper. "And even there, you have to be careful nobody is in your way."
Leo decided to follow the rules. He walked over to the edge, made sure the area was clear, and slid into the shallow end with a safe, controlled entry. He then swam to the deep end and had a great time splashing and playing, while the other kids learned that quick, unsafe jumps can be dangerous.
Leo learned that being safe was more important than making the biggest splash.

Key Pool Safety Rules from the Story:

• Designate a Water Watcher: Always have an adult whose only job is to watch the water without distractions.
• Always Check the Depth: Never jump or dive into the pool if you are unsure of the water's depth.
• Enter Feet First: Unless you are in a designated deep-diving area, always enter the water feet first to avoid spinal cord injuries.
• No Running: Pool decks are slippery; running is not allowed.
• Learn to Swim and CPR: Formal swim lessons reduce drowning risk, and knowing CPR is vital in an emergency.
• Don't Jump in to Rescue: If someone is in trouble, use a pole or throw a flotation device from the deck. Do not jump in to attempt a rescue yourself unless you are a trained professional.