Pool Safety--Make it a Priority!

Swimming pools should be fun, but above all else they should be safe. The Center for Disease Control reports that about 10 people die everyday, and two of those people are children aged 14 and under. Most of these deaths occur in residential pools, turning a fun family play area into a scene of tragedy. By taking a few simple precautions and with the aid of a few affordable products, you can greatly decrease the chances of a tragic accident and increase overall pool safety.

Tips to Maximize Pool Safety

• Install a fence around the pool area, whether you have an above-ground or in-ground pool. This will prevent people from using the pool without your knowledge and keep small children and animals out. This one step is the priciest on our list, but it alone can be the greatest safety precaution you take.
• Never leave small children unsupervised in or around the pool, not even for a minute. This is worth repeating: never leave small children unsupervised in or around the pool. This means any child 14 years of age or under. Small children can drown in just seconds, so there should always be an adult who can swim actively supervising.
• Keep children away from pool filters. The suction may injure them or prevent them from reaching the surface.
• Be sure all pool users know how to swim. Teach children to swim as early as possible. Children can learn to swim as early as age 1. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend teaching children before age 1 due to development issues. Teach small children how to get to the nearest steps or where they should go if they accidentally fall in. Supervising adults should absolutely know how to swim.
• Implement a buddy system: no one swims alone, ever.
• Don't allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol or is otherwise inebriated to swim in the pool.
• Never dive into an above-ground pool. Always check the water depth before plunging into an in-ground pool. Obey all pool rules about diving and running.
• Don’t allow glass containers in the pool area.
• Keep radios, CD players, blow dryers, and other electrical devices away from the pool.
• Everyone in the home aged 14 years and older should take basic first aid and CPR training. These are often offered through local community programs. Check your local library for nearby classes.

Products to Maximize Pool Safety

• Door alarms, locks, and safety covers create a barrier of protection around the pool. These are all useful in alerting you if a child is trying to get out to the pool area.
• Keep a secure cover on the pool during the off-season. We carry covers for above-ground pools and in-ground pools.
• Keep a first aid kit, ring buoys, and reaching poles near the pool in case of emergency.
• Have very small children wear pool alarms like this Safety Turtle alarm. The moment it is immersed in water, it activates a very loud alarm.
• Invest in an anti-entrapment system to prevent small children from becoming trapped by drain and filter suction.
• Have small children wear life vests in the pool.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pool's safety, give us a call! We'd love to help you find resources and products that will keep you and your family safe.