Summer has officially arrived, and along with it is sure to be many days spent at the pool. Many of us have already pulled out the bathing suits and taken a dip this year. With the 4th of July weekend fast approaching, there will almost certainly be pool parties all across the Cobb County area.
Like barbeques other summer fun, swimming is meant to be fun and entertaining. Unfortunately, this activity can be dangerous as well. The leading cause of death in young children is drowning. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 250 kids will lose their lives this year as a result of drowning, while an additional 2,600 will be hospitalized. It only takes an instant for disaster to strike when a swimming pool is involved, so it is important to brush up on pool safety tips this summer. By implementing not just one, but many of these areas of protection, it is more likely that family and friends will remain safe this summer.
- Fences: Installing proper fencing around your pool is the most effective method to ensure safety. Not just any fence will work, though. There are specific fences designed for pools which are no less than four feet in height and cannot be climbed. Proper gating of the fence is just as important as the rest of the barrier. To ensure safety, pool gates should close and latch on their own, slamming shut even when accidentally left ajar. The latch on the gate must also be no less than 54 inches from the ground with release mechanisms that children cannot engage.
- Covers: Pool covers also improve the safety of your pool. There are a variety of options, including typical vinyl covers, mesh pool covers that drain themselves, and automatic pool covers that operate with the push of a button.
- Alarms: Adding alarm systems to the pool and fence is a newer, technologically savvy method to keeping your pool safe. Alarms on the pool sense splashes so that if children fall into the pool, the alert will sound. There are many types of pool alarms, including those that float on the surface of the water, those that detect waves from beneath the surface of the water, and alarms worn by children near the pool. Fence alarms are similar to those installed on doors, but are installed on outdoor gates.
- Never leave children alone near water. This seems to be an obvious tip, but it only takes a moment for disaster to strike. Also, teaching your child basic safety tips for the water is helpful in the event that an emergency arises.
- Stay away from drains, pipes, and other openings within the pool so that you do not become trapped.
- Become trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency response. In the event of an emergency, it’s always best to be prepared.
- Teach children to swim as early as possible. The ability to protect one’s self is a great asset.
At Jones & Swanson, we represent victims of personal injury accidents throughout the state of Georgia. These types of accidents occasionally involve someone losing their life from drowning. For this reason, it is important to us that Georgians are educated in pool safety so that these events happen less often. If you or someone you know have questions about Georgia pool safety, contact Jones & Swanson today at (770) 427-5498. If we cannot answer your question, we will find someone who can.
