Swimming pools can be fun and relaxing. Taking appropriate precautions and safety measures ensures everyone enjoys their time in and around the water. Reinforcing essential pool safety protocols and removing potentially dangerous objects is a good place to start. From residential to community pools, our team at Star City Medical shares some basic safety tips for children, teens and adults.
Have a Designated Water-Watcher
Any adult who knows how to swim can watch the pool. This person doesn’t have to be a trained lifeguard, but they should be comfortable in the water. The water-watcher should monitor kids in and near the water. If children under the age of five are in the pool or nearby, HealthyChildren.org recommends having a CPR-certified adult who knows how to swim within an arm’s length at all times.
Teach Kids How to Swim
In addition to swimming, learning basic survival skills, including treading water and floating, can keep kids safe. Enrolling children in swimming lessons in public or private pools teaches them how to properly swim and understand crucial safety rules around water. Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional deaths in children between the ages of one and four years old, according to Pool Safely.
Stay Away From Drains
Pool drains keep water clean by filtering out dirt and debris. Since they use suction power to remove impurities, pool drains can also be dangerous. Hair, clothing and jewelry can get stuck in pool drains and suction openings. Teaching kids to avoid pool drains and suction openings and investing in covers can reduce the risk of accidental injury or drowning.
Never Swim Alone
Even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard by unexpected situations, including medical emergencies. The Gateway Region YMCA suggests using a buddy system at all times. Younger and less experienced children can be paired with stronger swimmers and adults for safety.
Avoid Distractions
There’s a time and place to relax by the water, but supervising a swimming pool isn’t one of them. This is true even if young children aren’t around, as accidents can happen to swimmers of all ages at any time. Avoid potential distractions by putting phones away and staying alert. Breaking shifts down into shorter intervals, such as 15 to 20 minutes, can reduce the burden on pool supervisors and keep everyone fresh.
Reviewing and enforcing safety rules can keep children and adults safe around pools throughout the summer. From pool parties to time spent relaxing and unwinding by a pool, knowing these essential tips can keep you and your family safe in and around the water. Many tragic accidents, including drownings, can be avoided by following these basic procedures.
