Having your own backyard swimming pool really kicks summer up a notch! Swimming is good exercise and great fun for everyone. The fun quickly stops though the minute someone is injured. How do you create a safe pool area to prevent injuries and keep the summer fun going? Here are a few safety measures to keep in mind.
Fencing is a must for pool safety. A glistening swimming pool with brightly colored pool floats and beautiful landscaping looks like a giant bowl of candy to neighborhood young ones, simply irresistible. A fence will keep these young ones safe by preventing them from entering. Make sure your fence gates open outward, are self-closing and self-latching. If you have an above ground pool, ensure that the steps or ladder to enter your pool are inside the fence. Requirements vary from county to county, so be sure to check your county’s pool fence requirements.
Drain covers can be extremely hazardous as the suction pressure can be so strong it can hold a person underwater, resulting in drowning. It would be wise to have a professional check your drain covers for cracks or missing screws and keep them up to code.
We don’t want to burst the fun bubble but you may want to reconsider having a diving board or water slide. These activities often result in major injuries.
Check daily for slip hazards. Keep the area around the edge of the pool clear of floats, tubes, toys or cleaning supplies to prevent tripping.
It is a good idea to establish pool safety rules. Some examples are: no running, no diving in the shallow end, do not push anyone in, must have adult supervision, don’t dunk or hold anyone underwater.
Have rescue equipment handy at all times, such as a life ring or a life hook. Make sure you also have a first aid kit in a convenient place.
There is so much you can do to keep your pool safe. These are just a few ideas to help you along the way. Hopefully your summer is full of fun in your swimming pool with no injuries!