While there’s certainly plenty of fun and games to be had in and around the pool, having a swimming pool also comes with a hefty dose of responsibility. Consider this statistic from the CDC: For children ages 1-4, drowning is the leading cause of death, and most of those deaths occur in home swimming pools. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of death for all Americans. By implementing and enforcing swimming pool safety policies such as those recommended by the American Red Cross, you can help make sure your pool doesn’t become the site of tragedy but is only tied to those fun-and-games-filled summer memories.
Get Serious About Swimming Pool Barriers
Did you know that swimming pool safety requires more than the typical backyard fence? Instead of a 3-sided fence encompassing your backyard, a 4-sided fence encompassing only the swimming pool area is far more successful in drowning prevention. Ideally, your swimming pool fence should be at least 4 feet high and should include a gate. Your gate should be the self-closing, self-latching variety.
In addition to a swimming pool safety fence, proper barriers should include a safety cover. This cover should ideally be put in place whenever the pool is not in use. For optimal safety, you can combine the cover with a pool alarm that will go off whenever someone enters your pool.
Make Your Swimming Space Secure & Supervised
Supervision simply can’t be overstated. Your pool policies certainly need to include the fact that no one swims alone. Children should never be permitted inside the pool fence without adult supervision. Add to that clear-cut rule the policy that those who aren’t strong swimmers must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever they are in the pool. (Of course, this might encourage them to take swimming lessons, which is a great idea, too!)
Keep up with Swimming Pool Maintenance
Most of us mainly think of drowning as the only safety hazard surrounding swimming pools; while it is the most significant and severe risk, it is not the only one. If you slack off on pool maintenance, rashes and earaches can easily result. To make sure your swimming pool water remains clear and clean, monitor chemical levels carefully and make sure filtration systems are well maintained.
Having safety policies in place does no one any good if they aren’t communicated and enforced. Consider making or ordering a sign with “pool rules.” Keep each rule short and sweet, and maybe put a symbol by each one to help pre-readers remember, too.
Here are a few you might want to consider:
- Never swim without supervision
- If you can’t swim, wear a life jacket
- No pushing, fighting, or diving
- Always walk inside the pool area
- Leave all drains and equipment alone
Kids could be required to repeat the rules after you, and be sure to clearly communicate consequences — and then be sure to be consistent about enforcing them.
Learn More About Pools
• Need Inspiration? Check out these Insane Pools!
• Tips & Tricks for DIY Pool Maintenance
Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 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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