With the summer approaching, more people will be spending time outdoors. And this often means more time at the pool. Whether it’s a residential pool or a shared swimming facility, it’s important to understand some basic pool safety rules.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a warning ahead of the warmer weather that thousands of people end up needing emergency medical treatment every year for injuries associated with swimming pools. So, here are 7 tips to help you stay safe:
1 – Make sure your own pool is safe
Before anything else, if it’s a pool that you are personally responsible for, you need to make sure it’s completely safe. This means:
- Using non-slip materials on decks, ladders, and diving boards
- Fencing around the pool area to stop unsupervised children from gaining access
- Having electrical systems installed by licensed electricians who follow safety standards
- Regularly checking drains and drain covers for any damage
- Making sure electrical appliances aren’t kept close to the pool
2 – Never run near a swimming pool
This is the number one cause of accidents. Running near a pool can lead to slipping, which can cause serious injuries. Make sure you or your children don’t run near the pool.
3 – Always pay attention to the rules
Public swimming pools can sometimes have different rules, but they have those rules for a reason. For example, there may be restrictions on swimming in the deep end or having toys in the pool. Make sure you check the rules of that pool when you arrive and obey them at all times.
4 – Don’t dive in the shallow end
This is another common cause of injury. Most pools have designated diving areas, and even if they don’t you should never into shallow water as it can cause serious injuries.
5 – Don’t let children swim unsupervised
Young children should never be left at a pool without an adult. Even if they can swim, drowning accidents can still happen and they are more likely if the victim is alone or unsupervised.
