How to Keep your Family Safe in the Pool this Summer

Guest Blog #140, Entry #611, August 7, 2011

Relaxing in a home pool may as well be the exclamation mark on the description of “American Dream.” A pool in your back yard — or even just a community pool in your neighborhood or apartment complex —  can be like having your own little oasis right in your own home.

Keep your family safe this summer at the pool

But if you don’t take necessary safety measures to keep it safe and protect your family, your swimming pool can become a source of stress and danger. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children under 5, and accidental drowning among kids is on the rise. Most of these drownings are in home pools, when children were out of sight for less than five minutes and under the care of one or both parents.

As the summer continues to heat up, consider these tips on how to keep your family safe in the swimming pool:

1. Install a fence around your pool

A good fence should be at least 4 feet tall, with a locking, self-closing, self-latching gate. This kind of a gate will prevent accidents due to people forgetting to close the gate. Make sure the latch is higher than a child’s reach, too. The fence should go around all sides of the pool.
Tip: Make sure you cut any overhanging trees and stash chairs, ladders and tables that children could climb on to go over the gate.

Consider installing a fence around your pool

2. Consider installing a security system to secure the pool when not in use

Look for surface or underwater alarms that go off when they sense disturbances in the water.

3. Hire a certified pool inspector

…to check your pool to make sure it’s compliant with government and industry regulations. The inspector will check water quality, drain covers and recommend any necessary safety devices specific for your pool. Pool chemicals can be dangerous, so make sure you store them out of reach. Make sure you always clean up spills and don’t mix chemicals.

Enjoy this summer with pool safety tips for friends and family

4. Be cognizant of grates and drain covers.

Make sure they’re secured and in good condition, and teach your family and friends to stay away from them. The suction from drains can catch hair, or even body parts.

5.  Learn infant and child CPR

Sign up for CPR classes at your local YMCA or hospital.

6. Be attentive while swimming

* Always supervise swimming and stay nearby. Don’t get distracted by your cell phone or book.

* Set basic safety rules and follow them.
* Keep life preservers, rescue devices and a first aid kit nearby.
* Remember, inflatable toys and floaties aren’t life-saving devices. Check all flotation devices if you’re unsure. Look for U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
* Keep a phone nearby, in case you need to make an emergency call.
* When you’re done swimming, take all toys out.
* Teach your kids to swim as young as 3 years old. Even so, remember that you can’t “drown-proof” anyone.

This article is a guest post by Mary Hunt who runs a website about inflatable pool slides. She believes that pool safety is something that should not be underestimated.

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