Swimming is great summer fun for all ages, however, if you own a pool, there are a few safety reminders to ensure that everyone can relax and have a good time.
1. Lifesaver Gear.
Keep a few lifesaver donuts and other flotation devices near the water in case of emergency. And when persons with limited swimming skills are in the pool, throw a preserver or blow-up flotation device into the water for easy access.
2. CPR.
Someone on the pool premises should be trained in emergency CPR. These classes may be taken at community centers and are geared for the layman to sustain life until an emergency vehicle arrives. Persons with young children should be aware of the basic CPR techniques and can be certified in one day.
3. Electricity.
Everybody loves some music at the pool party, but be sure you have kept all electrical equipment away from the poolside wet areas. Radios should be stored high and dry on a table or shelf and never touched with wet hands.
4. Ladders.
If you have an above ground pool and children in the house, be sure to disengage the ladder when the pool is not in use. The above ground water elevation makes it difficult to realize that a youngster has fallen in, making a rescue operation futile. Children love to climb, but it better not be on the pool ladder when you are not around.
5. Platform Security.
In-ground and above ground pools that use platforms should have the underside of the steps inspected annually to ensure that the screws are tight and the footing is safe. In addition, wooden platforms may be subject to weakness from water, and the beams or braces may need to be replaced.
6. Temperature Changes.
It is not safe to subject the body to rapid temperature changes, such as swimming in cool waters, then plunging into a hot tub. Take your choice which activity is to be first, then allow yourself some time in between to regulate your body temperature before taking a dip elsewhere.
7. Child Supervision.
Children should be monitored in the pool, regardless of their swimming capabilities. Stomach cramps or sudden fatigue can cause a child to struggle in the pool, so be sure there is a “life guard” on duty at all times.
8. Pool Enclosures.
If you have young children that are not able to understand language and the importance of pool safety, you may wish to install a gate around your pool area. The gates are functional and fashionable, keeping the perimeters sealed off from youngsters and pets. Pool enclosures also offer a dimensional look to your backyard living space by separating the pool from the rest of the yard.
9. No Glass.
To keep your pool free of sharp debris such as a broken glass, its best to make it a rule that your picnic by the pool supplies will be paper or plastic. Visibility is not good when looking through water, and any sharp object that falls to the pool floor can do serious damage to someone who steps on it.
10. Safe Diving.
Your pool should be clearly marked with the various depths to avoid a diving accident. Diving into shallow waters can break a nose or a neck, so be sure that your pool is deep enough and that the swimmer knows where to jump from. If you intend to use a diving board, you may check with your city officials for the proper depth necessary for diving safety.
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