Pool safety should never be taken for granted. When faced with alarming statistics on child drownings in pools, one becomes acutely aware of its importance. Pool safety starts from initial pool plans through to common design errors. Of course preventive factors play an enormous role – let’s explore key must-know pool safety tips for parents!
Tip #1 for Drowning Prevention Tips for Parents
Walking would be better than running. Avoid running near a swimming pool as running may cause severe injuries from slipping and falling on wet concrete surfaces.
Tip 2. Pay Attention and Follow Pool Rules. Public pools often have specific rules regarding conduct and play, including what items may or may not be allowed in the water, dress requirements for entry into the water and more. At all times follow all regulations set by your pool!
Tip 3. Diving should only ever take place in designated areas and above-ground pools should not be dived into as injuries sustained while diving can have lasting repercussions.
Tip 4. Roughhousing is not permitted. Rough play in the pool poses a grave danger to young children and should never be permitted. Swimming pool rules prohibit jumping on one another or holding each other underwater.
Tip 5. Drains and covers should never be played with. Drains and covers in your pool pose a safety risk even when installed correctly, so children too small to escape are at risk if they become trapped within drains or suctions. Regularly maintain the gutters and covers of your pool if you are the owner.
Tip 6. Never attempt swimming alone. Even experienced swimmers should always swim together under supervision in a pool, since individuals swimming alone or unsupervised are at a greater risk for drowning accidents.
Tip 7 – Sun protection is key. When swimming outside, always wear sunscreen and the appropriate clothing – children should pay particular attention to this rule.
Tip 8. When storms loom, take shelter indoors and stay out of the pool. Even on days without rain, lightning strikes suddenly – take shelter as soon as the last flash or thunder has been seen or heard and remain out for at least 30 minutes after any lightning or thunder has been heard or seen.
Tip 9. Be Prepared. Parents and caregivers should have knowledge of CPR and first aid. Make sure you always carry a phone with you for emergencies, including children reporting any difficulty swimming to an adult as soon as it happens. Children must immediately alert an adult when someone needs assistance in the water.
How to Keep Your Pool Safe
Below are a few safety tips related to pools.
Tip 10. Safety equipment must be utilized correctly. Doing so would only lead to misusage; provide regular maintenance and access when necessary for all equipment.
Tip 11. Install a self-locking fence around your backyard pool. To reduce accidental drownings in backyard pools, the CDC suggests creating barriers of access; four foot tall fences should encase all aspects of the pool area completely and may include doors with alarm systems when opened or pool alarm systems as additional safety measures.
Tip 12. When not in use, keep your pool covered. Use a motorized cover (preferably even during swimming season).
Remove ladders and steps when not in use from an above-ground pool when not in use, covering its surface securely with the cover to avoid trapping a child if he or she gets under it.
Vigilant attention must be given at every stage of pool planning, rules and the pool environment in order to safeguard your children and ensure their safety. Please be mindful of common mistakes to avoid when building a pool as well as our essential rules discussed today – staying safe while enjoying water activities!