5 Tips To Create A Safe Swimming Pool Environment For Kids
Tue, Mar 16th, 2021
Do you have a swimming pool in your backyard? Whether you have kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews that love to swim in your pool, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety. In 2019, there were 221 reported fatal child drowning incidents among children 15 and under in pools or spas. Florida had the second-highest number of drownings in the United States with 23 reported incidents, only behind Texas with 34. Although these stats were down 14% from 2018, most of these deaths could have been prevented.
In this blog, we'll discuss 5 safety tips to enforce that will help keep children safe around your pool.
Install a Fence
Most small children are naturally curious about swimming pools. The most effective way to prevent them from exploring too close to the water is by installing a physical barrier around the pool. A child-proof swimming pool fence must:
- Be at least four feet tall
- Be non-climbable, no handles or footholds
- Have a lockable latch above a young child's reach
- Have a self-latching, self-closing gate
Get into the habit of closing your swimming pool gate when there aren't any children around. That way, you are more likely to remember to close the gate when there are kids in your home.
Install a Pool Alarm System
Adding a pool alarm provides an extra layer of protection. They can be installed on doors, windows or gates that lead to the pool. The alarm will sound anytime contact is made.
Not only do pool alarms make your home safer, but it gives you peace of mind. It greatly reduces the urge to check up on your children to make sure they are away from the pool.
Enforce Pool Safety Rules
If your children are old enough, make sure they understand and abide by pool safety rules. These rules include:
- No running around the pool
- No diving in the shallow end
- No swimming without adult supervision
- No swimming without floaties (for inexperienced swimmers)
Make sure the children using your pool understand these rules and why they are important. For younger children, keep them behind the pool fence unless they are in the pool.
Maintain a Safe Pool Area
You can reduce the risk of accidents or injuries by maintaining a safe pool area. Do this by:
- Installing a non-slip pool deck and inspect the area for hazards
- Don't allow glass or bottles on the pool deck
- Store chemicals away in a locked, child-proof storage area
- Keep a first aid kit nearby
Learn CPR
Accidents happen, especially with kids around a pool. As an added precaution, take CPR classes. So, if an emergency arises, relax, remember what you learned and confidently take action if a child needs your help.
Sweetwater Pool Service
At Sweetwater Pool Service, we can keep you safe in your swimming pool by ensuring your pool water is clean and chemically balanced. Swimming in dirty pool water can lead to severe ear, nose and throat infections among other harmful ailments.
If you're looking for a reputable pool service company to have regular maintenance performed on your pool, contact us today and just Relax... We Will Do The Work!
(239) 775-POOL (7665)