While swimming pools create a fun, exciting place to stay cool on those hot summer days, they can also become dangerous for families with young children who can’t swim. By implementing the following safety provisions for their swimming pool area, families can help eliminate life-threatening dangers like accidental drowning and injury.
Invest in Swim Lessons Early
Under close supervision and a professional instructor, children as young as 12 months of age (with a doctor’s approval of course) can start learning to swim. Swim lessons are vital for teaching children the basics of water safety, how to float in the water, adjust to currents and depths, and how to breathe properly. Exposing children to water at a young age can help swimming become a positive experience, rather than a fear. Parents have a number of options regarding where to take swim lessons. Some parents opt for group lessons at a recreation center while others hire a private swim instructor.
Wear Life Vests in the Pools and Pool Area
Whether guests, neighbors or family come over to swim, consider having novice swimmers wear life vests for as a safety precaution. Life vests work to keep a swimmer’s head above water and prevent unnecessary accidents and drowning. Parents can enforce a life vest policy, whether children are splashing in the pool or sitting near the edge, both are high risk to accidents. Life jackets are safer than inflatable toys that can easily slide off a child’s arm. Finally, to maintain the highest level of pool safety, parents should always supervise a child, even if they’re wearing a life vest. An injury may still occur.
Implement Pool Safety Rules
Teaching children important pool safety can help prevent accidents or injury from occurring. It may be helpful to create a pool safety board listing all the rules and explain each rule to young swimmers before entering the pool area. For example, one rule could be no rough play or running, as someone may fall into the swimming pool as a result. Similarly, pool use during inclement weather such as ice in the winter or thunderstorms should be strictly prohibited for the safety of everyone.
Also, just because the swimming pool is covered, doesn’t mean it poses a threat to drowning or injury. Therefore, consider teaching children to not step on the pool cover.
Install a Fence Around Your Pool
Pool fences work to help keep children away from the swimming pool area. There are a few pool fence standards you can adhere to that can make pool fences most effective:
- Fences should be between 4-5 feet high
- Gates should open away from the pool
- Gates should be self-closing
- Gates should not have foot or handholds that kids can climb on
Also, it is important to keep the fenced locked after each use so that your children or neighbors cannot access it.
Avoiding Recreational Water Illness
According to the CDC, recreational water illness occurs when the water becomes contaminated with germs or chemicals. If inhaled or swallowed, these particles can potentially cause diarrhea and irritate the eyes, skin, and ears. To prevent recreational water illness in your swimming pool, responsible pool owners can take action by doing the following:
- Not allow individuals with a stomach virus or diarrhea to use the pool
- Advise swimmers to shower before entering the swimming pool
- Implement routine bathroom breaks for children to deter unwanted accidents
- Filtrate, shock and sanitize the pool regularly
Creating a Safer Swimming Experience in Your NY and CT Backyard
A swimming pool should be fun and relaxing. To ensure your pool remains safe for a child and your family, consider incorporating one or all these precautionary tips into your swimming routine. Doing so could mean the difference between life and death. Residents in New York and Connecticut can learn more helpful pool safety tips by contacting a top pool installation and service company area near you today. Don’t forget to follow Shoreline Pools on HOUZZ to see more completed projects and unlimited backyard designing ideas.