As summer activities are in full swing, it’s essential that families revisit some basic pool safety tips. Establish and enforce strict rules – for instance not running across the deck or diving into shallow water. Many tragedies can be prevented by creating and adhering to rules like not running on or diving into the pool deck.
Swimming lessons can also help children build up confidence around water, and learn essential safety rules.
Know the Pool’s Depth
Your family and friends can have great times playing in your pool without putting themselves at risk if it has the appropriate depth of water. Even experienced swimmers must remain within safe swimming zones and be monitored when in or around water bodies.
Recreational swimming should aim for an ideal pool depth between 3 and 5 feet so most swimmers can keep their heads above water when standing up, making this depth suitable for lap swimming as well. Family member height should also be taken into account.
Keep Kids Within the Designated Swim Areas
Swimming pools are an unforgettable summertime tradition for families, yet it is crucial that safety remains top of mind. No matter where they swim – be it at home or with friends – kids must understand all of the rules associated with the pool and know exactly when and how they may enter it.
Make sure your backyard pools and spas are safely enclosed by installing self-closing childproof gates with alarms so you know when someone opens one of the doors leading into your pool area. Install alarms so you can hear when someone opens them!
Children of any age should never swim alone in pools, and even adults should swim with at least one other person at all times. Swimmers should remain within arms-reach of an adult at all times when swimming alone.
Teach Kids the Correct Way to Enter and Exit the Water
Teaching children the proper pool entry and exit techniques is crucial to their safety, such as reminding them not to run or jump into the water.
Assure your children are only entering water from a safe location such as a platform, mat or wall and encourage them to practice safe exit strategies such as humpties and safety jumps.
As part of your effort to protect your children, ensure all family members are trained in CPR and first aid. Being equipped with this knowledge could make all the difference during a drowning emergency situation when time is of the essence.
Don’t Allow Kids to Jump or Diving Headfirst
Children may want to dive headfirst into a pool, but the risks can be significant. Make sure your children understand this activity is hazardous, and encourage them to practice feet-first jumps into shallow water until they are confident enough.
Additional steps you should take include keeping an eye on children at all times, making sure the pool area is secured with physical barriers and alarms, educating kids about potential hazards other than pools (buckets, decorative ponds or bathtubs), as well as practicing emergency procedures with family. It is also imperative that emergency procedures and drills be practiced regularly with your family.
Always Wear Life Jackets
Life jackets can save the lives of drowning victims if worn correctly and worn comfortably. Always fasten straps, zippers and ties so they cannot be unfastened accidentally and make sure the jacket fits snugly without overhanging over chin or ears.
Even experienced and non-swimmers should wear life jackets when swimming, as should children who don’t live within arm’s reach of an adult. Adults responsible for children near pools should be CPR certified.
Have a Plan for Responding to Pool Emergencies
Home swimming pool injuries and drownings are often preventable. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths among children aged 1 to 4, often occurring when kids were not expected to be present – such as when pool activities wind down. Unfortunately, most drowning deaths happen within home pools and most victims had only been out of sight of their parent for less than five minutes prior to their demise.
Make sure everyone in your household knows how to react in case of pool emergencies, and equip a first aid kit with everything necessary for immediate response. Teach CPR and basic rescue techniques.
Keep Your Pool Clean and Well-Maintained
As summer arrives and swimming season kicks into high gear, it’s essential that we review and enforce pool safety rules. Remind kids about the perils of swimming alone or diving into shallow water alone; enroll them in swimming lessons so that they may develop comfort and proficiency with water, further decreasing risk.
Proper cleaning of your pool is another essential aspect of pool safety. Experts advise regularly skimming, brushing and vacuuming its water surface, steps and floor to reduce bacteria, leaves, animals and other forms of debris that accumulates therein.
