Simple Steps to Reduce Pool Accidents in Your Backyard
Are you looking to buy a swimming pool? If you are, it is important to take the time to familiarize yourself with summer pool safety tips. Why? Because if you don’t see yourself being able to implement these tips, a few of which are outlined below, you may want to rethink your decision to purchase a pool. There is nothing worse than losing a relative due to a pool accident or being held liable for one.
All pool owners need to keep their eyes and ears open, even when someone isn’t scheduled to use the pool. When you are a pool owner, all children in your home need to be closely monitored. It may take less than two minutes for a child in your home to make their way and fall into your swimming pool. It is also important to always be on the lookout for neighborhood kids who may try to enter your pool. Even if there aren’t children living full-time in your home, you still need to take steps to childproof your pool and pool area.
One of the best ways to keep your swimming pool a fun and safe place to be this summer is to install a fence. When doing so, it should completely surround your pool. Safety fences are recommended for all types of swimming pools, but they are considered a must-have for in-ground pools. In fact, did you know that your local or state government may have laws that require the installation of a fence?
Safety fences around pools are a great way to keep your pool safe, but they aren’t reliable unless you use them correctly. Every time you enter or leave your pool area, close and lock the gate. Making this a habit reduces the likelihood of you accidentally leaving it open. Since children, even young children, are often able to open a closed or even latched gate, you may want to go the extra mile and install a pool alarm.
Pool alarms are a great summer pool safety tool to use, as they come in a number of different formats. For starters, you can purchase one that attaches to the door of your fence. Whenever an unexpected guest opens the door, the alarm should sound. There are also alarms that are designed to go into the pool. They will sound when the water is disturbed, such as when someone unexpectedly jumps or falls into the water.
Most swimming pools, including those in and above ground, rely on the use of ladders. If you intend to install an in-ground swimming pool, it is important to verify that all ladders are secure before allowing anyone, especially children to the pool. As for above-ground pools, it is a wise idea to remove the ladder after every swim. Should a child make their way to your pool, they should not be able to enter it without the assistance of the missing ladder.
As previously stated, a great way to keep your pool a safe place is to always keep your eyes and ears open. All swimmers, including young adults and teenagers, should be closely monitored when swimming. Smaller children, such as toddlers and preschoolers, do not rely on flotation devices to keep themselves safe. Swimsuits equipped with floaters are increasing in popularity, but they should not replace the close monitoring and supervision of an adult.
The above-mentioned steps will help to reduce pool accidents in your backyard, but it is still ideal to be prepared for an accident. Always bring a cordless phone to the pool area with you. This allows you to take incoming calls without leaving young swimmers unattended and it also always you to quickly call for help, should an accident occur. If you aren’t familiar with CPR, it is recommended that you take a course. Most non-profit organizations, such as the Red Cross, offer them for an affordable fee.
