Swimming Pool Safety Tips

We’re looking at swimming pool safety tips today. You might want to add one or two of them to your house rules. Some homeowners actually post signs stating the pool rules. Of course, not everyone takes the time to read them. So, it’s always a good idea to go over your pool rules with guests before things get into full swing.

Your swimming pool is probably a pretty popular place during the summer. Do you love planning get-togethers or do gatherings just happen? It seems like the larger the crowd, the more likely it becomes that things get a little out of hand from time to time. Unfortunately, when gathering around a pool, that’s apt to be an accident waiting to happen—especially when there are children in the mix.

This brings us to our first of six safety tips.

Never leave a child unattended

It doesn’t matter whether it’s your children or they’re your guests, someone should keep an eye on them every second they are near or in the pool. We’ve all heard the horror stories of someone who “just left them for a second” only to return to tragedy.

When there’s a crowd, it can be even harder to keep tabs on everyone. Delegating several adults to be on patrol is a great way to keep your peace of mind.

Teach children to swim

If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, it’s imperative that your children know how to swim. That’s because water draws some children—and adults for that matter—and if near the edge of the pool, they could slip and fall into the water. If you aren’t around to get them out and they are unable to swim…

Your local YMCA is sure to offer classes. And, of course, typing “swimming classes near me” into your search engine will provide you with a number of resources as well.

Be prepared for the worst

No matter how many precautions we take, an accident could happen.

It would be wise to take a CPR course so you can perform it on both adults and children in the event of an emergency. Every minute that passes waiting for emergency personnel to arrive makes the situation more serious if someone isn’t breathing.

Knowing basic first aid is a good idea too in case someone slips on a wet surface and takes a fall.

Keep children away from pool drains

The purpose of the drain is to cycle the water out of the pool and into the filtration system. Hair, jewelry, bathing suits, or even small arms and legs could get stuck in the drain or the suction opening.

Teach children not to swim or play near the drains—ever.

Speaking of the drains

As a responsible pool owner, your drain should be appropriately covered at all times.

Taking extra precautions

Instead of listing each of the following as individual safety tips, we’re going to round them all into the “extra precautions” category. We totally agree with taking a “better safe than sorry” viewpoint.

• Install a fence—It should be at least 4 feet in height and surround your pool on all sides.
• In lieu of a fence, a pool enclosure provides the safety features you’re looking for.
• Make sure your pool gate locks.
• The “deep” end should be marked clearly.
• Keep life-saving equipment on hand.
• Install pool alarms.

A safe swimming season

With prices on literally everything soaring, it’s likely to be a stay-at-home kind of summer for a lot of us. Your swimming pool could become even more popular with friends and family this year. Take heed of the above safety tips and ensure a safe swimming season for all. You can put your focus on making memories—that’s what summer’s all about!