Everyone loves to dip in the swimming pool during the hot summer. But what many people don’t realize is that pools can also be a great danger, especially to little ones. Drowning can occur in many circumstances, which is why rules and regulations should be followed while having fun in water activities. Let’s find out the most essential swimming pool safety tips and guidelines.
Table of Contents
Understanding Pool Safety
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 300 children aged 1-4 die by drowning in a residential pool every year. Some causes include lack of supervision, slippery surfaces, access to pools without adequate barriers, and inability to swim well.
Therefore, understanding pool safety for families is crucial to avoiding swimming pool accidents. Pool safety measures dealing with different safety concerns, such as unsanitary pool conditions, injury prevention, and chemical safety, foster a safe swimming experience.
Swimming Pool Rules Every Family Should Follow
Swimming and any other activities near the pool should be done carefully. Whether it’s a public pool or a backyard pool, set some fundamental swimming pool rules and ensure that everyone complies with them.
Educating and enforcing the following pool rules ensure that the pool area is safe and tidy:
- ► No electrical devices should be allowed near the swimming pool.
- ► No running around with glass containers on the poolside.
- ► No diving in the shallow end of the pool.
- ► No food should be prepared and eaten near the pool area.
- ► No swimming when there is lightning or thunder or when the pool is closed.
- ► No alcoholic drugs are allowed near the poolside.
Top Pool Safety Tips for Families
Here are some basic tips for pool safety for families to keep them safe at the pool:
Install Pool Fencing
Fencing around your pool can be a lifesaver. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing and self-latching gate. There should not be any spaces, especially if you have children or pets in the house.
Cover The Pool When Not In Use.
A strong pool cover prevents someone from accidentally falling into the water and keeps out dirt. It should fit over the entire pool surface and should not be loose.
Place the Rescue Equipment near The Pool.
It is advisable to ensure that a lifesaver or a floatation device, reaching poles, and a first aid kit are available in the vicinity of the swimming area.
Know How to Swim
Ensure family members, particularly children, take swimming classes with certified trainers to avoid drowning.
Ensure Adequate Lighting
Lighting up the pool area makes it easier to avoid obstacles and thus minimizes the chances of falling or slipping, especially at night or during nighttime events.
Swimming Don’ts
- ► Don’t swim near pool drains or suction outlets.
- ► Don’t swim alone or without the presence of another person, even if you are trained.
- ► Refrain from consuming alcohol before or after swimming.
- ► Don’t let the toys be near the pool when not in use.
- ► Don’t run; instead, walk around the pool
- ► Avoid diving into the shallow water or roughhousing.
- ► Don’t push others.
- ► Avoid eating or chewing gum while swimming, as you might choke.
Swimming Pool Safety for Kids
Whether it’s a public pool or your own backyard, the need for adult supervision when children are in the pool cannot be overstated.
Besides supervising, ask your kids in the pool to follow guidelines and never enter a pool area without permission. Teach them to swim and emphasize the importance of swimming with an adult or buddy. If kids can’t swim, wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Creating a Safe Swimming Environment: A Check List
A well-maintained pool, with regular cleaning and checks, makes it a safe one to swim in.
- Ensure the safety cover of the pool is functional, the electrical part is properly working, and the alarms and drain covers are in proper condition.
- If chemicals are used to clean the pool, ensure they are placed outside the children’s reach.
- Smooth out any sharp edges or tighten any screws that may be loose.
- Check that all pool accessories, such as diving boards, ladders, and slides, are well fixed.
- Use a pool skimmer to remove floating debris, such as leaves and twigs, from the water surface. You can also consider using a robotic pool cleaner to clean the pool floor and walls, ensuring the water quality of your family pool remains high.
Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for emergencies is not just a good practice; it’s a necessity when it comes to pool safety. Knowing how to respond in a crisis without putting yourself at risk of drowning is crucial. This includes knowing how to rescue a swimmer in distress, administer CPR, and instruct others on the use of safety equipment. Learning these basic water safety techniques can be the difference between life and death when professional help is on the way.
Conclusion
Swimming is an enjoyable activity. However, safety is a paramount concern. The only way to prevent pool-related accidents is to maintain the pool, supervise and educate people, and use it safely. Adopting the above pool safety tips, along with regular supervision and education, may help save your life or the life of a family member or friend.