Owning a pool can help create lasting memories for your family and friends, but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping your loved ones safe. Young children are especially at risk of drowning in pools, but adults and animals can also get hurt around water.
If you’re a homeowner with a pool and you enjoy hosting families and friends in your backyard, here are some tips to keep everyone safe this summer.
Select someone to supervise
One of the most important ways to keep children safe is to supervise them while they’re swimming. This probably seems like common sense, but even adults with the best intentions can get distracted.
It only takes seconds for young children to drown. Looking away from the pool while speaking to your spouse or stepping inside to grab a towel can create an unsupervised environment where accidents can happen.
There are a few approaches you can take to prevent this. First, designate a specific person to watch a certain child. That way, each adult knows which child they’re responsible for watching. You can buy lanyards or bracelets with your child’s name or face on them as a physical reminder of which child is your responsibility.
If you have to run inside to get something, pass the lanyard or bracelet to another adult. Again, accidents can happen when adults don’t realize they were supposed to watch the kids or didn’t hear you ask for help with supervising.
A lanyard or bracelet is a physical reminder of who is responsible. It might be over the top, but it’s an effective way to prevent unnecessary accidents.
Install fences, pool covers, and alarms
Many cities require homeowners to install a fence around their backyard if it has a pool for safety purposes. This prevents neighborhood kids or animals from wandering into a backyard that isn’t theirs.
It’s also a good idea to install a pool cover when the pool is not in use. There are many different styles and types of pool covers, but as long as you can cover the pool easily, it can prevent adults, children, and animals from accidentally falling into the water.
Finally, installing alarms on doors leading outside will alert adults in the house if someone is going outside. This is helpful once kids get old enough to open child locks but still aren’t confident swimmers.
Get swim lessons early
It’s never too early to take your children to swimming lessons. In fact, there are even infant swim classes that teach babies to roll over on their backs if they fall in a pool.
While pool fences, alarms, and supervision can help prevent accidents, kids who know how to swim and are confident in the water go a long way in preventing emergencies.
Purchase proper equipment
If you own a pool, it’s important to purchase safety equipment, such as reaching poles, life preservers, and a first aid kit.
Maintaining your pool is also important for safety. Keeping your pool clean, running effectively, and free of debris can prevent slip-and-fall accidents and reduce the likelihood of your kids getting tangled.
Also, make sure to always have a cell phone outside should you need to call for help.
Ensure adults are up to date on CPR
If you decide to install a pool or you’re moving into a house with a pool, taking a CPR class or refreshing your CPR certification is extremely worthwhile. That way, should a worst-case scenario happen, you’re aware of proper protocols.
It’s easy to go blank when faced with an emergency, but if you’ve recently taken safety classes and your CPR certification is up to date, it will be easier to remember the steps should a true health emergency arise.
Final thoughts
Installing and maintaining a pool comes with a lot of maintenance costs, but it also comes with perks. The pros include having a beautiful, fun backyard for your friends, family, and neighbors to come and enjoy during the hot summer months.
Of course, pool ownership also comes with a responsibility to create a safe environment for your loved ones. By following the tips above, you can create a backyard oasis that is fully equipped with the latest safety features.
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