I would very sweetly and firmly tell them that if they come in my yard again, I will be calling the police. And I would. And I would have my neighbors keep an eye out for me too.
two approaches: 1) shoot them with a potato gun 2) get them out of the pool, walk WITH THEM to their home, and have a nice firm conversation with an adult. If there is not an adult in charge of these kids at the moment, the I would call the police and ask what your options are. While the kids are still with you. It's not about trespassing, it's about safety.
After they had finished laughing i'd have a little chat...
while swinging a baseball bat nonchalantly.
Making quite sure i had their FULL and undivided, respectful attention.
A 'getting to know you better' kind of chat.. names, addresses.. who they want notified as next of kin - that kind of thing? ;-)
I'd also probably want a one on one with their dad/mom to to see where they're at with it?
See if they had any objection to your kids going over to their place anytime they felt like raiding someone's fridge, for example? Or borrowing their car for driving lessons. Fair's Fair - right? :-)
I love all these thoughts. Everything from Bible Tracts to shotguns :)
I struggle with this one...
My first issue is safety. I could not live with a kid dying in my pool. Whether I knew them or not. Horrid. Our kids won't be allowed to swim without supervision, I would expect the same for anyone.
My second issue is respect. I struggle in my responses to people who are disrespectful. Not just kids, adults as well. There are times where you face to face with someone who completely lacks respect. For anyone to hop a fence and jump into someone's pool, shows their disrespect for that person's home. My first response would probably be anger, but I don't like that.
Third, if I am working with disrespectful people in this, how do I encourage or teach them to both respect me and my house as well as others. In the long run, I have no problem with them in my pool if they ask, but I struggle with them taking. Maybe it's a control issue for me, I don't know.
I think Papa and Love are on to something though. an "irate woman" sign or "who do I notify as next of kin" question would sure open some eyes :)
HW
· 1 year ago
It is kinda cool you have a heads up and you can think of something really clever. I'd probably rig up a sound system that I could sit in my house and talk into and figure out a way to freak them out somehow... but there are so many possibilities! I'm thinking Jaws... hmmm...
Starting a neighborhood youth group is a great idea! :)
HW
· 1 year ago
oooh... get a pet alligator!
inworship
· 1 year ago
So, a floating shark or a pet alligator Hahaha!!!!
Indian Lake Papa
· 1 year ago
You could train your dog to "do his thing" on beach towels after dark rather than pillows.
If there is already a fence, and it's in good condition, there shouldn't be a liability issue (I appreciate that you still wouldn't want someone to get hurt or die in your pool). Check the local laws on this, I'd say.
Pool-hopping is a time honored 'tradition'. I don't see you stopping it - at best they would just move on to someone else's pool. I still think you should seize this as a ministry opportunity. Post hours maybe?
ooooh Papa didn't disappoint today!!! :lol: HAHAHA!!!!
Brent, loving that arial map. :D Now go find my old house on Coachman. ;-) 1118. Pwease and Fank yew. heehee
I don't know what I would do.... I know I would NOT be happy. I came downstairs last weekend to find out neighbor girls IN my kitchen. :shock: 6 and 12 years old. NOt a pool, but still, it's instrusive and that would be the feeling I'd have to figure out to deal with.
I'm really hoping you don't have to find out what you'd do though. ;-)
We are talking about unsupervised kids in a swimming pool without permission. They could very well drown. I would make it vehemently and adamantly clear to those kids that they are NOT allowed in the pool at any time without the supervision of an adult. No reason, really, to take away their swimming priviledges, especially since you know they are probably going to sneak into the pool when nobody is home anyway. But, compromise.
No adults = No swimming.
Adults = swimming.
And when they moan and groan, give them a "because-I-said-so-and-when-I-was-your-age-all-had-to-eat-was-dirt-and-I-was-thankful-to-eat-that-dirt" lecture that will bore them to tears they'll won't even BOTHER to come back.
I think the reality is that any response should be helpful and loving. I think Kim was right in her response. I also like Jeff Man's ideas of getting a youth group going.
The legal issues really bother me. I cannot imagine being held responsible for something I had nothing to do with. Worse yet, possibly the death of a minor.
Mudpuppy, about the "cool grandpa" or the "dog poop" :)
Evan
· 1 year ago
Acid idea is a fantastic idea!! No remains and no trace of what went down.
honestly though, I would go out with lemonade and ask what they were doing in your pool and see what they say. If they seem like nice kids, offer your pool ONLY ONLY ONLY when you are home. All they have to do is come let you know if it is okay if they swim. Might be weird but you might witness to some kids and could be some more peeps for your kids to hang out with.
Now if I haven't had my glass of Mona-Vie and coffee in the morning, airsoft rifle shot right to the butt. No questions.
Evan, I am going to have to work on my attitude, but I know we could have a good time with the kids.
Also, my son won an air soft pistol at Fish Camp this year. That's been fun :)
Ric
· 1 year ago
So back when I had a half-pipe in the backyard I would occasionally get some visitors. They we very respectful and knocked and asked permission. I suppose there had to have been uninvited skaters when no one was home. To the best of my knowledge no one died on the half-pipe.
Although Patti nearly suffered a heart attack each time she watched our son and his buddies. I advised her not to watch. She advised me to disassemble it. Which I did ... 6 years later.
My son, yes the same one, broke his arm swinging on a neighbors swing set at age 6. Actually he and his buddy were competing on hang-time and distance after releasing at top speed. I will post the xray sometime.
I don't know what the stats are but I suspect swing sets and tree houses are the most dangerous backyard toy (in terms of non-lethal injury).
So if this happened as you described... I would have to go out and ask them to leave because if I refused Patti would call the police. Although my heart would long to have a response more like Jeff's, we would opt for the more sensible response.
Ok kids, so what's the first rule of pool club?
If you want to discourage uninvited guests, put out a half used box of depends and drop a couple of baby ruth bars into the pool.
Funny story. I did music for a Youth Winter Retreat one time. They had a bunch of crazy games and one of them was...
Toilets(new ones) filled with Mountain Dew, with Baby Ruth bars in them. The object...dunk for the Baby Ruth.
I almost puked watching that one.
HW
· 1 year ago
I went to a baby shower once where the game was baby diapers with a melted candy bar inside. You had to figure out what kind of candy bar it was. I nearly puked watching the ladies TASTE the candy bars to figure it out.
Ric
· 1 year ago
I am passing that one along to our youth pastor right now.
I'm echoing I'm sure some of the above comments. My first thought was a shotgun, then my second was a big stick instead. Now my third is to post a big sign on the back side of your fence. "If you choose to venture over this fence, the police will be called without warning, because this is your warning!"
Theresa, remind me to never trespass at your house :)
Jeff...I had put two and two together :)
Ric, hahaha!!!
b4dguy
· 1 year ago
well...it said "Name (required)" so I obliged. wasn't thinking, really.
So, I have this Believing friend from a church I used to attend. Recently we were talking about the economy, and the prospects of the near future. He said, "all I know is when the poor from the city lose their welfare and come to my house to break in to get money to buy food, I'm going to meet them with guns blazing!" (...or something to that effect).
I can hear Jesus' words now, "For I was hungry and you gave me a warning shot over my head, I was thirsty and you gave me a load of 00 buck..."
Sometimes, as Christians, we need to think out of the box. Take the bad, inevitable situation, and make something good out of it.
Should I bring Sheba ( my 80 pound red doberman) I think she would scare them, and still try to use the pool! or you could just keep the Christian music playing in the yard when you are not home...and then if they come in..Jesus is calling them...
Seriously , I would post it on the back of your fence "no trespassing" if for nothing else than to protect yourself incase some one drowns. love you guys...I will take a watch over the pool when I get there :lol:
Scott and Darla, you guys can do whatever you want when you get here to help fend them all off :)
Seriously though, there were 2 broken boards on the fence this AM. I think someone tried to climb over to retrieve a ball or something. I have to repair the fence now. I will be putting some signs warning them to just walk around and knock. It's only another 50 feet for them to do that.
darla
· 1 year ago
I am going to pray that you will know how to handle it, but I am also praying that God will just keep them out..doesn't hurt to ask..I am so excited....my family is talking about Oregon every day all day...I am so blessed to come....so I will help! ♥
It's not a big deal when kids lose their toys and come knocking. If I see something in the back yard I don't mind walking out and chucking all their toys back over the fence. It's a whole 'nother ball game though in the type of situation you are addressing. I am really big on respect as well so this is pushing my buttons. (And here you didn't think I had any did you?) Ok, don't answer that. So, to follow up with posting the sign, if you've warned them and they still come over...they must be needing to hear about Jesus. You never know, coming out and talking to them - nice and firm, but lovingly would so totally catch them off guard. That in itself may start them thinking and respecting your wishes.
I am very happy to return a ball. I am not happy when they bust our fence like they did today.
But, I will be patient. that is my mantra this summer :)
HisLifeformine
· 1 year ago
Hey, as much time as you guys are planning to spend out there this summer - you may be so bulked up with all that weight lifting just the mere thought of you might be enough to keep them on the other side of the fence. LOL
Accidentally leave an extension cord draped into the pool water when not in use...
They'll only do it once...
Seriously, We have a pool too. The only problem we ever had was when the neighbor kid (high school) had a party when mom and dad were away. A couple of drunk kids jumped the fence for a dip. A prompt call to the police took care of it nicely.
Brandy, that would mean I want them at the house :)
Ed
· 1 year ago
I like HW's idea about the pet Alligator. :)
Darla is right you do need to post a warning, if only for the liability issue. I agree with you Brent the thought that someone could hurt themselves would worry me more.
Kids will find a way to get over or around the fence not matter what you do. All you can do is try and make it hard for them.
Finding out their names and talking to their parents is, if nothing else, a way to introduce yourself to your neighbors. Also you could take pictures of them and if it got to be too much of a problem you have the pictures to show the police like Papa suggest.
Papa's idea about the "crazy lady" is also a good idea since it isn't too far from the truth. :) (Just kidding Tam. There is no need to track me down.) :)
CJ, I had actually thought of that. Just a simple electric run (horse fence style) across the top of the fence. When they grab a hold to jump over, they are met with a surprise.
Imajackson
· 1 year ago
Brent, longtime reader. first time poster. You might want to keep in mind that teenagers think they are absolutely invincible. The kids that went up to the river a few weeks ago and and then one drowned, they thought they were good swimmers too. So, you have a respect issue (it's not their property) and you have a basic safety issue. Whether these kids go somewhere else and hop another pool isn't your issue. You cannot control that. But you should set some very careful guidelines for your family and possible visitors for the pool. And since when was is unkosher to expect kids to stay off your private property? Or to put systems in place to keep them out? I would post LOTS of signs on the outside of your fence and I would also put up the electric fence. Also, if you are renting, you need to talk to your landlord about that too.
imajackson, thanks for joining in and thanks for being a long time reader, I am honored!
You've got some great suggestions. I am actually going to run by our Grange coop tomorrow and check oon th electric fence options. That is a good safe deterrent. I am also going to make out some signs. I have to protect them as well as us.
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Indian Lake Papa's last blog post...Introduction of "Precious II"!
Almost not a joke though... You are completely and 100% reliable if someone drowns in your pool, even if someone jumps your fence to get there.
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1) shoot them with a potato gun
2) get them out of the pool, walk WITH THEM to their home, and have a nice firm conversation with an adult. If there is not an adult in charge of these kids at the moment, the I would call the police and ask what your options are. While the kids are still with you. It's not about trespassing, it's about safety.
(We live on a lake.... we've had to do this)
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- Jeff
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After they had finished laughing i'd have a little chat...
while swinging a baseball bat nonchalantly.
Making quite sure i had their FULL and undivided, respectful attention.
A 'getting to know you better' kind of chat.. names, addresses.. who they want notified as next of kin - that kind of thing? ;-)
I'd also probably want a one on one with their dad/mom to to see where they're at with it?
See if they had any objection to your kids going over to their place anytime they felt like raiding someone's fridge, for example? Or borrowing their car for driving lessons. Fair's Fair - right? :-)
<B
love's last blog post...Simple English (- part the second)
I love all these thoughts. Everything from Bible Tracts to shotguns :)
I struggle with this one...
My first issue is safety. I could not live with a kid dying in my pool. Whether I knew them or not. Horrid. Our kids won't be allowed to swim without supervision, I would expect the same for anyone.
My second issue is respect. I struggle in my responses to people who are disrespectful. Not just kids, adults as well. There are times where you face to face with someone who completely lacks respect. For anyone to hop a fence and jump into someone's pool, shows their disrespect for that person's home. My first response would probably be anger, but I don't like that.
Third, if I am working with disrespectful people in this, how do I encourage or teach them to both respect me and my house as well as others. In the long run, I have no problem with them in my pool if they ask, but I struggle with them taking. Maybe it's a control issue for me, I don't know.
I think Papa and Love are on to something though. an "irate woman" sign or "who do I notify as next of kin" question would sure open some eyes :)
Starting a neighborhood youth group is a great idea! :)
Indian Lake Papa's last blog post...Introduction of "Precious II"!
Pool-hopping is a time honored 'tradition'. I don't see you stopping it - at best they would just move on to someone else's pool. I still think you should seize this as a ministry opportunity. Post hours maybe?
Jeff Man's last blog post...what’s the big deal???
Mud Puppy's last blog post...Jon Foreman – Summer
Brent, loving that arial map. :D Now go find my old house on Coachman. ;-) 1118. Pwease and Fank yew. heehee
I don't know what I would do.... I know I would NOT be happy. I came downstairs last weekend to find out neighbor girls IN my kitchen. :shock: 6 and 12 years old. NOt a pool, but still, it's instrusive and that would be the feeling I'd have to figure out to deal with.
I'm really hoping you don't have to find out what you'd do though. ;-)
Brandy's last blog post...It has to be said…..
No adults = No swimming.
Adults = swimming.
And when they moan and groan, give them a "because-I-said-so-and-when-I-was-your-age-all-had-to-eat-was-dirt-and-I-was-thankful-to-eat-that-dirt" lecture that will bore them to tears they'll won't even BOTHER to come back.
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The legal issues really bother me. I cannot imagine being held responsible for something I had nothing to do with. Worse yet, possibly the death of a minor.
there.
settled.
tam's last blog post...Holding Back?
Mud Puppy's last blog post...Jon Foreman – Summer
Mudpuppy, about the "cool grandpa" or the "dog poop" :)
honestly though, I would go out with lemonade and ask what they were doing in your pool and see what they say. If they seem like nice kids, offer your pool ONLY ONLY ONLY when you are home. All they have to do is come let you know if it is okay if they swim. Might be weird but you might witness to some kids and could be some more peeps for your kids to hang out with.
Now if I haven't had my glass of Mona-Vie and coffee in the morning, airsoft rifle shot right to the butt. No questions.
Evan's last blog post...I’m a good barista… really…
Also, my son won an air soft pistol at Fish Camp this year. That's been fun :)
Although Patti nearly suffered a heart attack each time she watched our son and his buddies. I advised her not to watch. She advised me to disassemble it. Which I did ... 6 years later.
My son, yes the same one, broke his arm swinging on a neighbors swing set at age 6. Actually he and his buddy were competing on hang-time and distance after releasing at top speed. I will post the xray sometime.
I don't know what the stats are but I suspect swing sets and tree houses are the most dangerous backyard toy (in terms of non-lethal injury).
So if this happened as you described... I would have to go out and ask them to leave because if I refused Patti would call the police. Although my heart would long to have a response more like Jeff's, we would opt for the more sensible response.
Ok kids, so what's the first rule of pool club?
If you want to discourage uninvited guests, put out a half used box of depends and drop a couple of baby ruth bars into the pool.
Ric's last blog post...Break Time
Funny story. I did music for a Youth Winter Retreat one time. They had a bunch of crazy games and one of them was...
Toilets(new ones) filled with Mountain Dew, with Baby Ruth bars in them. The object...dunk for the Baby Ruth.
I almost puked watching that one.
Ric's last blog post...Break Time
tam's last blog post...Holding Back?
Mud Puppy's last blog post...Jon Foreman – Summer
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Jeff...I had put two and two together :)
Ric, hahaha!!!
So, I have this Believing friend from a church I used to attend. Recently we were talking about the economy, and the prospects of the near future. He said, "all I know is when the poor from the city lose their welfare and come to my house to break in to get money to buy food, I'm going to meet them with guns blazing!" (...or something to that effect).
I can hear Jesus' words now, "For I was hungry and you gave me a warning shot over my head, I was thirsty and you gave me a load of 00 buck..."
Sometimes, as Christians, we need to think out of the box. Take the bad, inevitable situation, and make something good out of it.
b4dguy's last blog post...what’s the big deal???
I've tried to be honest in this post, cause I wuld tend to react first chance I get, but I don't want to.
Safety and lawsuits scare me, but I have to be willing to do what is right as well.
Part of the reason I am thinking this through with you guys!
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Seriously , I would post it on the back of your fence "no trespassing" if for nothing else than to protect yourself incase some one drowns. love you guys...I will take a watch over the pool when I get there :lol:
darla's last blog post...HE is moving, setting captives free!!
Seriously though, there were 2 broken boards on the fence this AM. I think someone tried to climb over to retrieve a ball or something. I have to repair the fence now. I will be putting some signs warning them to just walk around and knock. It's only another 50 feet for them to do that.
darla's last blog post...HE is moving, setting captives free!!
15 days!
It's a whole 'nother ball game though in the type of situation you are addressing. I am really big on respect as well so this is pushing my buttons. (And here you didn't think I had any did you?) Ok, don't answer that.
So, to follow up with posting the sign, if you've warned them and they still come over...they must be needing to hear about Jesus. You never know, coming out and talking to them - nice and firm, but lovingly would so totally catch them off guard. That in itself may start them thinking and respecting your wishes.
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But, I will be patient. that is my mantra this summer :)
HisLifeformine's last blog post...NMFAPIMWLC - week 4 done
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Accidentally leave an extension cord draped into the pool water when not in use...
They'll only do it once...
Seriously, We have a pool too. The only problem we ever had was when the neighbor kid (high school) had a party when mom and dad were away. A couple of drunk kids jumped the fence for a dip. A prompt call to the police took care of it nicely.
BuddyO's last blog post...Do the Fundamentalists Love Thier Children Too?
Brandy, that would mean I want them at the house :)
Darla is right you do need to post a warning, if only for the liability issue. I agree with you Brent the thought that someone could hurt themselves would worry me more.
Kids will find a way to get over or around the fence not matter what you do. All you can do is try and make it hard for them.
Finding out their names and talking to their parents is, if nothing else, a way to introduce yourself to your neighbors. Also you could take pictures of them and if it got to be too much of a problem you have the pictures to show the police like Papa suggest.
Papa's idea about the "crazy lady" is also a good idea since it isn't too far from the truth. :)
(Just kidding Tam. There is no need to track me down.) :)
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I will be posting signs this weekend and I will be prepared to lovingly teach as issues arise.
the crazy lady will be asked to stay in the house :)
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I am not sure I could go with #2 and still live here :)
I personally like the 3rd one!! ;-)
Brandy's last blog post...North Dakota is safe from global warming. I can assure you.
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Filling the pool with acid is a no go for two reasons - one: it'll stuff what's left of your filtration system!
And Two: Acid is good for eliminating hair, nails, bone and protein but leaves a nasty icky residue of all the fatty tissues! :shock:
And it's hard to scrape it all out off the bottom.
Don't ask how i know - just trust Unca love on this one! :evil:
<B
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that's right.
im retracting my acid comment.
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tam's last blog post...So You CAN Teach An Old Dog New Tricks!
You've got some great suggestions. I am actually going to run by our Grange coop tomorrow and check oon th electric fence options. That is a good safe deterrent. I am also going to make out some signs. I have to protect them as well as us.
Tam, save the acid thing for something else :)