1. Safety Tips for Swimming Pools
Drowning is tragically a common cause of deaths in children. It only takes a few minutes for one’s
head to be submerged below the water’s level to lose one’s life as the lungs get filled with excess
water, thereby failing to regulate oxygen distribution to all vital body organs such as the heart and
the brain. This alarming fact is enough reason for all pool users and owners to establish safety
rules when it comes to swimming pools. While immediate medical attention has saved some lives,
it is still wise not to take chances for these accidents to happen.
What safety precautions can you take if you own and operate a swimming pool? Construct a
fence around the swimming pool to keep people especially children from accidentally slipping into
the pool. The ideal height for a pool fence must be at least 4 feet as children might attempt to
climb over it.
Implement the strict use of lifejackets for children
Even when accompanied by adults, children, especially those under the age of 5, should wear
lifejackets or personal flotation devices. Even waters that only rise up to the knee level can be
dangerous for very young children.
Place safety equipment where accessible
It is one thing to have complete safety equipments and first aid kit. But having them readily
accessible when needed, can make the difference it takes to save one’s life. A closet nearby must
contain, life-saving equipment, emergency manuals, and first-aid kits. It is also important to have a
well working telephone with all emergency numbers listed on it.
Install an alarm system
Door alarms and power safety covers are important safety devices especially where children are
involved. An alarm put on the door to the pool is important to alert the adults that a child has
entered the pool area unattended. Power safety covers on the other hand must be able to bear the
weight of two adults.
Never keep your eyes off your child
Your child may have mastered all the swimming strokes learned from swimming class but this is
nothing compared to an adult’s supervision when worse comes to worst. Aside from being
watched, children should also be educated on safety precautions and warnings. They should be
told not to go to any portion of the pool when there is no adult around as they might accidentally
put themselves in areas where the depth is too much for them to handle. Even if your children are
not swimming in the pool but are only playing on its side, you need to pay attention as well as they
may accidentally slip and fall into the pool.
Equip yourself with life-saving skills
If you own a swimming pool or are an avid swimmer, it would be advisable for you to take
swimming lessons and learn life saving procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
which can be highly useful in case of emergency. If you have children who use the pool often, it is
also wise to ask your instructor to teach them all that a kid can learn about pool safety and survival
tips in case of accidents.
Written By : Lisha Hettie Kelcey