Swimming pools provide heat relief, fun, and leisure, especially during the hot summer months. Whether it’s vigorous water games or a relaxing float, these backyard pools universally take the crown as the go-to zone for don’t-break-the-wallet, family-friendly entertainment.
But while swimming pools offer memorable moments, they also demand vigilant caution, mainly because of the ever-present danger of accidental drowning – an issue that is both heartrending and preventable. To prioritize safety, here are some essential tips on how to minimize drowning incidents in backyard swimming pools.
Proper Supervision
Implement the “never swim alone” rule, particularly for the little ones. Nothing replaces continuous, focused adult supervision. Look out for signs of distress or struggling swimmers. Having a designated “water watcher” ensures that there’s always someone whose sole undistracted responsibility is to actively watch the water whenever kids & teens are swimming.
Pool Safety Equipment
Invest in adequate pool safety equipment, such as life vests (U.S. Coast Guard-approved), pool barriers or fences, and self-closing, self-latching gates. Safety pool covers and pool alarms (both for the gate as well as for water surface disruption monitoring) offer additional layers of security, alerting you about unsanctioned pool entries.
Learning to Swim
Swimming is not just a leisure activity, but it is also a necessary safety skill which everyone should master. Enroll children in swimming lessons as early as appropriate. There are lessons specially tailored for different age groups. Adult swimming lessons are also crucial, particularly for those who have pools at home. Don’t just write off swimming skills as being strictly “for the kids.”
Learning CPR
For emergency situations, knowing CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) can make a significant difference. Even a minimal delay on helping to resuscitate someone can lead to grave consequences. Having a CPR-certified person on-site can be the difference between life and death before professional medical help arrives.
Avoid Dangerous Behaviors
Base your pool rules on practical safety measures. No running around the pool, no rough horseplay, no diving (unless your pool has a dedicated deep zone), no pushing people into the water, and no swimming without adult supervision are some basic guidelines to enforce. Following these steadfast rules will help minimize possible accidents which could lead to drowning scenarios.
Establish a Clear View of the Pool
Ensure the pool is visible from different areas of the house. The idea is to be able to keep an eye on the pool even while you are indoors. Remove bushes or any other obstacles that may obstruct the view. Even with a fence securing access to the pool, you never know when someone might overcome the obstacles and get into the pool (including cunning neighbor kids); being able to have a clear line of sight from your home to the pool can help you be certain the pool is vacant when it is supposed to be empty.
Teach Kids to Stay Away from Pool Drains
Children (and adults, too) can get trapped by the suction of pool drains. Make sure your pool has necessary safety devices, like Anti-Entrapment or VGB (Virginia Graeme Baker) compliant drain covers, and teach children to avoid playing near drains or suction outlets.
Maintain Regular Pool Inspection
Regular checks and keeping up with manufacturer-recommended maintenance of your swimming pool are critical to ensure all safety standards are up-to-date. Whether it’s confirming the integrity of the pool fence or faithfully checking the function of pool alarms or drain covers, regular inspections are key safety measures.
Restrict Alcohol near Pool
Alcohol impairment not only increases the risk of accidental falls into the pool but also hampers one’s ability to swim or respond efficiently in emergencies. It’s wise to limit or completely avoid alcohol consumption when swimming is in the day’s activities plan.
Swimming is synonymous with fun and relaxation, but swimming also requires intentional caution to ensure this enjoyment remains safe. Employing these strategies recommended above will help ensure everyone remains safe around your backyard swimming pool while still helping everyone make the most of the water fun. Knowledge, vigilance, and preventive measures are the best tools for minimizing the risk of drowning in backyard swimming pools.
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Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 500,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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