Did you know that May is National Water Safety Month? Sponsored by The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals with support from the National Recreation & Parks Association, the World Waterpark Association, and the American Red Cross, this month emphasizes water safety.
Since drownings are the leading cause of unintentional death for children 1 to 4, it is wise to be aware of a number of relevant safety tips.
The Water Safety Month theme of “Simple Steps Saves Lives” is an important one. Here are some tips, from Pool Troopers, to remember when using your pool with family and friends this spring and summer:
Always Watch Children Near or in the Pool
Never leave children unattended when they are in the pool or spa. You should always be keeping an eye on them when they are around water.
Your children should be taught the basics of water safety, as soon as they are able to understand.
Children should not play around pipes, drains and any other openings in the pool. This is to prevent being entangled or trapped.
There should always be a phone near the pool area in the event of an emergency. It can save a life. But the “Pool Watcher” should not be on their phone or using it while watching the children swim!
Share water safety tips with friends, neighbors and visitors to your pool to ensure everyone is on the same page.
If you ever lose sight of a toddler or child and there is a pool on property- run to the pool and check there first seconds save lives in drownings!
Child drownings are a silent killer. Children who can’t swim go under and are not able to agitate the water or cause a commotion- you must be watching the water at all times children are present.
Practice Water Safety by Learning the Skills
You should be able to swim; if not, take lessons. Your children should also be taught to swim. Many places offer classes for children and beginning swimmers.
Learn CPR for both children and adults. Skills should be updated on a regular basis. Water Safety Month is the ideal time to begin learning these skills or to take a review class.
Know the basics of lifesaving, in the event that you can be of assistance if an emergency happens.
Have Safety Equipment in Your Pool Area
A fence that is four feet or taller that borders the perimeter of your pool area assists greatly with safety. Other important installations include:
• door alarms
• window guards on pool-facing windows
• pool and gate alarms
• drain covers
• underwater or surface wave alarm
Pool and gate alarms will notify you if children go near the water while you are in the house. Regarding drain covers, Pool Troopers can provide you with more information regarding this important safety tip.
You might want to consider an alarm that goes on the surface of your pool. Displaced ripples cause the wave sensor to activate, meaning that someone is in the pool. Underwater alarms have sensors that measure disturbances and are permanently installed for your peace of mind.
Like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, some of these features will alert you to prevent injuries.
The Pledge
You and your children can take the Safe Swimmers Pledge that is part of Water Safety Month. A water safety video walks through the safety steps, with certificates offered upon completion.
Watch the Videos
These tips can be viewed online in other Water Safety Month videos that might clarify some of these points and help you remember them when it is time to use the pool.
Pool Troopers can help answer your questions about keeping a safe pool area as well as maintaining the quality and safety of your water. Read our blog to get answers regarding safety equipment and water filtration, then give us a call or contact us so that you and your family can celebrate Water Safety Month.
