Poolside is the last place you want to be going over your safety rules with your kids. Why? They'll be standing there, doing their level best to look like they're paying attention, but, really, all they'll be able to think about is how big a splash they can make when they jump in. Trust me; I was a kid once (and a swim teacher).Instead, inform your kids of the rules before you even get in the car. Make sure you let them know what the consequences are of breaking the rules, be it sitting on the sidelines or going home early.
When we were in Calistoga, recently, I made sure my kids knew before we left home that they were not to go out to the pool area without either my wife or me. Once we cleared up the ambiguity of going to the pool with their uncle (they had to tell us first), it worked out great. The only reason they heard the rules at all is because I went over them at home instead of poolside.
