Pool Safety and Drowning Prevention

Swimming pools are an endless source of fun. On a hot summer day, nothing can replace the joy derived from jumping into a pool for its immediate chilling effect. Unfortunately, however, pools can be the scene of a deadly accident. Drowning is a serious threat that can happen to persons of all ages, which is why everyone should be made aware of pool safety tips and drowning prevention.

If you are a pool owner, there are a number of things you can do that will decrease the chances of an accident occurring in your back yard. In order to protect you and your loved ones, consider the following safety tips:

• Install a fence that encloses your back yard. While this may seem like a hassle, it is a worthy investment. A fence that is over 5 ft. tall will deter children from walking into your backyard to take a dip into your pool without permission. Easily accessible pools are frequently the cause for accidental drowning.

• Clear the pool of all toys when not in use. Toys left to float in the water can entice young children. Reaching out over the water to grasp an inflatable ball or float can cause a child to fall in unexpectedly, resulting in serious injury or death

• When not in use, remove ladders from above ground pools. Children and animals may want to take an unsupervised swim; however, getting out of the pool without assistance can be difficult.

• Always supervise children while swimming, even when they are using flotation devices. Arm buoys, noodles, and floats can give a false sense of security even though they do not prevent drowning.

• Do not allow children to jump off of high surfaces (such as the roof) into your swimming pool. This type of reckless behavior can lead to serious injury.

• Discuss swimming pool rules with your children and their friends to ensure a safe and enjoyable pool experience.

As a pool owner, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of all who use your pool, even if they do not have your permission. You may be held liable for accidents that occur in your back yard, which is a good incentive to take the necessary precautions to prevent all types of accident and injury.