It is that time of year again when we enjoy warmer weather and get ready to open our swimming pools. Getting your pool ready for swimming and entertaining is one thing – making sure it is safe for family and guests requires a little more attention to detail.
While many of us enjoy swimming in backyard pools and relaxing in hot tubs, more than 200 children drown each year in pool accidents. The American Red Cross suggests that pool owners take special care to make pool safety a priority.
- Keep children under supervision at all times. Never allow anyone to swim alone. Young and inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket.
- Make sure that everyone in the family knows how to swim by enrolling them in swim classes and age-appropriate water orientation.
- Establish rules such as “no diving”, “no running”, and “swim with a buddy” – and enforce the rules.
- Ensure that everyone in the home knows how to respond to water emergencies by taking first aid and CPR courses. Always have proper safety equipment on-hand in your pool area.
You should always secure your pool area with the proper barriers. Surround your pool with at least a 4-foot high fence with a gate that automatically closes and latches. Use safety covers on pools and hot tubs when not in use. Remove any ladders or steps, and consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool when your pool is closed.
You can also minimize the risk of ear infections, rashes and more serious diseases by maintaining the chemicals in your pool. Test the pool regularly including the filtration systems and drain covers.
Online water and pool safety courses are offered by many organizations. They can save you time and money, and let your friends and family swim safely.
If you have legal questions, please consult our Online Legal Directory to find an attorney in your area.