Keeping your Pool Accident Free March 9, 2016

Swimming pools are one of the best sources of enjoyable backyard activities. Pools are fun, therapeutic and a great way to cool off during the intense months of summer; but as with any activity, certain steps must be taken to maintain an accident – free pool environment.

Statistics prove that the danger is real. According to the Insurance Information Institute, every year about 43,000 people are injured in and around swimming pools, more than 600 people drown in home or public pools. Added to the fact that half of pool fatalities occur in the yards of single-family homes, and you can clearly see why ‘safety first’ is the best motto for your own swimming pool.

Thankfully, most pool accidents are completely avoidable by implementing a few simple, common sense precautions:

Never leave small children unsupervised – even for a few seconds

“Contrary to what you might think, children drown silently,” according to John Drengenberg, manager of consumer affairs for Underwriters Laboratories Inc., a not – for – profit safety testing organization. “[In a drowning] there’s not a lot of splashing or crying for help. Every second counts when preventing a drowning accident.”

Never be more than 20 seconds away
According to the Decatur Daily news, drowning usually occurs in less than five minutes, so the supervising adult needs to be able to scan the pool within 10 seconds and reach the pool within 20 seconds. As you can see, when it comes to pool supervision it really isn’t okay to leave the pool unattended, even to get a drink or use the bathroom.

Put fencing around your pool to keep people from using it without your knowledge

This one is pretty self – explanatory. Having a swimming pool is a huge responsibility, and unfortunately a potential liability. But how can protect yourself and others when away from home? Simply limit the use of your pool by controlling access with a fence and/or possibly an alarm system. It might seem like a bit much, but you know what they say… better safe than sorry.

Teach kids about pool filters

Swimming pools contain complicated mechanisms to keep them up and running. The powerful filters that keep your pool clean of debris are also powerful enough to keep a small child from being able to resurface. Teach children to avoid the filter areas when playing ‘dive for the toy’ games, and show them the location of the pool power supply so they could turn off the power (and the powerful filters) in case of an emergency.

Make sure all swimmers actually know how to swim, and that novice swimmers are accompanied by a good swimmer

Play an active role in the supervision of your pool. Don’t just assume that a child or even an adult can swim. Take the extra step and make sure…what might seem like an embarrassing question could actually save a life. The tried and true “buddy system” works well!

Check the pool area regularly for hazards

Anyone that has small children knows how easy it is to trip over a toy and become injured. It’s the same with your pool. Make sure that the area in and around the pool is clear. Be especially mindful when using glass bottles and other glassware in the pool area – glass’s transparent nature means it’s easier for bare feet to find (ouch!) than eyes.

Keep CD players, radios and other electrical devices away from the pool or other wet surfaces

Keep electrical appliances – TVs, radios and disc players, for example – far enough from the water that they can’t possibly fall in. Never operate an electrical appliance when you’re wet. And follow the prescribed maintenance schedules for electronic items like underwater lighting and pool vacuums to prevent an accident or a big shock.

Don’t allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol to use the pool

Common sense, supported by the Mayo Clinic: water sports and alcohol don’t mix. In the United States , alcohol is a factor in about 25 to 50 percent of adolescent and adult deaths from drowning or injuries incurred in the water. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination – all essential for swimming well and avoiding hazards in the water.

Stay out of the pool during rain and lightning storms

Let’s go back to what we learned in elementary school: water conducts electricity.

In other words, you don’t want to be ANYWHERE near a body of water (like a pool!) when lightning strikes. A good rule of thumb is if you see it getting cloudy or hear even distant thunder, go ahead and enjoy an indoor activity until the sky completely clears.

Never dive into an above ground pool and check the water depth before diving into an in-ground pool

And remember, your 4’8″ child has different diving depth requirements than your 6’1″ husband. Know your safety limits.

Don’t swim if you are tired, feeling ill or just finished eating

In a nutshell listen to your body – if you don’t feel completely up to it, don’t swim.

Properly cover the pool when it is out of use, or during the winter months

Depending on the need, a pool cover can serve many purposes. There are pool covers that protect from dirt and debris, covers that protect from the elements and even covers that can prevent children or animals from falling in! If you do have children and/or animals you should seriously consider a mesh safety cover that will prevent anyone from falling into the pool.

And finally… use common sense, and always be careful

Swimming pools are a lot of fun, but always have your eyes peeled and your ears open! Remember that with a little extra thought; most accidents can be avoided..