We believe it is important that your
backyard paradise is not only a fun-filled spot, but a safe one as well. By
applying a few simple safety standards, you’ll help ensure an enjoyable pool
experience for you, your family, and your friends.
Provide
Proper Supervision for Children and Adults Whenever children are in or near water, there should always be competent
adult supervision nearby.Never
assume that flotation devices will suffice – there is no substitute for
constant adult supervision. Water is quite a draw to small children, so
adults should be watchful at all times around any water element, even when
swimming is not on the agenda. Even a child that has participated in
swimming lessons needs adult supervision. If you must leave the pool area,
take your children with you or assign another adult with the responsibility.
Know
How to Swim
Always ask a potential user “can you/your child swim?” Local health
clubs, community health organizations, the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org/where/where/html),
and the YMCA (www.ymca.net), are all great resources for swimming classes
and swimming pool safety. For help finding a certified swim instructor in
your area, connect to www.clubswim.com, or consult your phone book.
Install Proper Signage It is important to display safety
rules and review them with your guests prior to allowing them to enter your
pool. If you do not have safety signage and warning labels, we can assist
you in acquiring the appropriate signage to go along with your pool.
Layers
of Protection
The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) endorses a concept
known as “Layers of Protection”. It involves equipping the pool or spa
area with several safety devices in order to delay unsupervised access. Following
are some options for protecting children and preventing accidents:
a)Fencing:
Isolate the swimming pool with a minimum four-foot-high enclosure.
b)Safety Covers:
An impenetrable covering that completely covers the pool or spa will prevent
access to the water when there is not supervision.
c)Alarms:
Alarms are available for doors, fences, in pools, and as a clip-on for children.
Alarms detect unwanted entrances to your pool or spa.
d)Rope & Float
Line: Place these across
the pool to alert swimmers to the separation of the deep end from the shallow
end of the pool.
e)Rescue Equipment:
Equipment such as a life ring and shepherd's hook should be placed near the pool
in an easily accessible spot.These
devices are used to pull someone from the pool to safety.
f)Posted Emergency
Information: Post all
CPR, other emergency information, and warning signs, as well as the emergency
telephone number - 911 - near the pool or spa.
g)Outside Telephone:
Be sure to have a telephone in case you need to call for help.
h)First Aid Kit: Having a first aid kit nearby is always a good idea
to keep in a safe and convenient location. Periodically check to make sure the
kit is well stocked with all the essentials.
i)Sunscreen: Choose the level of protection that’s right
for you and use it! Even on cooler, cloudy days, the sun’s ultraviolet
rays can burn and damage skin cells.
j)Cleaners, Chemicals and Maintenance: All cleaning and
maintenance supplies should be kept in a locked storage area, away from children
and pets. Always check supply labels for proper storage requirements and
expiration dates.
Ensure that your pool is compliant with all laws (including new
ones)
New laws such as the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/15/entrapment.pools/index.html
or
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123240579499995601.html),
passed in 2008, require modifications to existing pools in order to remain
both safe and legally compliant. Not only are severe financial
penalties possible for overlooking these types of laws, but ignoring
regulations can also be extremely dangerous to swimmers. Click
HERE to read a brief
pamphlet about how to avoid entrapment in your pool or hot tub, or click
HERE and
HERE to watch a
2-part video (total of 17 minutes) about the dangers of suction entrapment.
Avoid
Drugs and Alcohol
When you gather around the pool or any body of water, don’t add anything
to the mix that might impair reaction time or decision making ability –
such as alcohol or drugs. Anything that can cause sleepiness, drowsiness,
raise or lower blood pressure, or impair thinking should be avoided when you
plan to be in or around any body of water. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect a person’s judgment and increase the risk of injury
around water.
An excellent web site for children that focuses on water
safety is www.SplashZoneUSA.com.
It’s an entertaining and educational
site promoting water safety first. Visit the site with your children, enjoy the
games, and teach them the importance of pool safety. This site is sponsored by
the APSP.