Top Three Pool Safety Tips That Can Help Save Lives

Learn these top three pool safety tips that can help save lives. As a pool owner pool safety is your priority, especially when children are involved. Without the proper precautions, things can turn tragic in a matter of seconds. Pools and hot tubs are especially dangerous for children. About 20% of drowning fatalities are children under the age of 15.

MAKE YOUR POOL A RELAXING AND SECURE DESTINATION BY DOING THE FOLLOWING:

1. Enforce strict rules around the pool area.
2. Install essential pool safety equipment like a pool safety net or a pool safety fence. By doing this you are adding a layer of security and adding to your peace of mind. With the proper pool safety measures, your pool will keep on being your backyard oasis.
3. Always be aware of the list of hazards below.

POOL HAZARDS LIST TO PREVENT:

DROWNING – POOL SAFETY EQUIPMENT PROVIDES A CRITICAL LAYER OF PROTECTION!

Between 2005 and 2009, there were over 3,000 fatal drownings each year. Drowning can happen in many different ways but being aware and alert at all times is crucial to avoid any mishaps. This means always keeping an eye on young children and not swimming in water that is too deep. When the pool is not in use, a swimming pool safety fence or a pool net can reinforce your pool security.

INJURIES CAUSED BY FALLING/SLIPPING – A POOL SAFETY FENCE BARRIER KEEPS THE DECK SAFE.

While broken bones or concussions are common sports-related injuries, the pool is a perfect place for these to happen. Whether it’s running on the side of the pool or jumping from a diving board, anything can happen. A no-running and jumping policy should be enforced for swimmers.

DRAIN ENTRAPMENTS – CHECK YOUR POOL’S DRAIN SAFETY

Like a monster hiding in the deep, pool and hot tub drains (mostly found in public pools) account for a large number of injuries as well as two documented deaths. Do not underestimate this hidden danger. The suction from the drain can pull a swimmer under the water. If the suction power is strong enough, the swimmer can drown. Some people have even been disemboweled by large drains.

A law was signed by President Bush in 2007 that states public pools and hot tubs must have a protective drain cover. This came into effect following the death of a young girl after she was pulled under the water by a hot tub drain. Her mother was unable to free her from the suction. If you visit a public pool, look for the drain first. If it doesn’t have a protective cover, report and avoid it.

To keep hazardous conditions under control, it’s important to implement strict rules that have to be followed when near the pool. This includes no running, never swimming alone, and being aware of where the drain is at all times.

One of the most effective ways for pool owners to prevent accidents is by using pool safety options such as a removable pool fence and a swimming pool cover. Swimming pool fencing should be at least four feet high with a self-closing gate and latch. The latch to open the fence should be well out of the reach of children. By putting a protective barrier between any children and the pool, you are drastically decreasing the likelihood of a drowning, or other accidents.

Mike Corkery

Mike
is the co-owner of Pool Guard and brings a wealth of knowledge in the pool guard industry to our readers.