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Summer is the best time to bask in the sun, relax, and spend time with your family.
You’re having so much fun with everyone that you forgot, someone left the pool gate open.
Why isn’t the pool cover on?
Suddenly your child is running into a puddle by the deep end.
Where are the adults watching them?
You hear your child scream!
Splash.
Silence.
Drowning accidents are the leading cause of death for children between ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury for children ages 5-14. For every child under 18 that dies from drowning, 7 more are receiving treatment for nonfatal drowning; resulting in brain damage or long-term disability (CDC.gov). This is a shocking statistic when you think about how visiting the pool is one of summer’s top activities, and most people don’t think about all the accidents that come with it.
Don’t let yourself or your loved ones become another statistic of what should be a joyful activity. Keep reading and Jones & Swanson will provide pool safety tips you need to stay focused on the fun this summer!
General Pool Safety
- Never swim completely alone. You risk danger in any form and in the case of drowning could be left unfound for hours.
- Swim sober or have a sober person on guard. This should be a standard as you are not fully aware of your surroundings and neither would everyone else in your party if they’re intoxicated.
- Walk, never run. You never know where a puddle may sneak up on you, so don’t risk it.
- Never dive head-first in a shallow pool. If no signs indicate a diving area, you may hit your head underwater.
- Supervise your children at all times. Whether there’s a lifeguard or you’re at home, always watch your children and do not fully depend on others.
- Utilize safety equipment. If someone doesn’t know how to fully swim, properly adjust them in a life jacket for extra safety. As well, have a lifebuoy on standby for quick use.
- Brush up on your CPR skills. Adults and children have different procedures.
- Consider infant swim rescue (ISR) lessons for your little ones. This skill empowers them with the ability to save themselves in the event of an accidental fall into water.
For Home Pools
- Surround your pool with an isolated fence and a self-closing, self-latching gate. Children wander, so prevent that adventurous spirit from doing anything dangerous.
- Always keep the pool cover on when the pool is not in use. This will save you cleaning time and may also protect your child, pet, or your own life.
- Secure all steps, ladders, and steps for above-ground pools. Loose equipment can be a recipe for disaster.
- Stay by your pool when in use by your children. You are their lifeguard and the first response for help.
- Keep the area around the pool clear of clutter and be weary of water spills. A slip and fall in your own home is your own responsibility.
For public pools
- Observe pool rules, and follow them. It is on you to be responsible in public spaces with rules, especially if a pool is closed.
- Look for a lifeguard on duty and note it. You need to know so you can alert them of danger quickly.
- Be aware of other children and rough play. If you notice someone else’s children being dangerous and playing aggressively, alert the parents and separate your children.
Accidents can happen at almost any moment, and in any way that we can’t predict, so always be aware of your surroundings and keep these tips in the back of your mind!
