This article was previously published on July 15, 2014 and updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.
With the sun out and the temperature rising, what’s a better way to spend your summer day than cooling off in the water? Whether diving into your private pool, spending the day on the lake, or going on vacation to the beach, now is a good time to brush up on swimming and pool safety tips, especially if you have children.
Pool Safety Tips for Children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified drowning as the leading cause of death among children aged one to four. In addition, drowning is the third leading cause of injury-related death among all age groups. Pool safety is something you should never take lightly, regardless of age.
It is essential to teach children about water safety and swimming from a very young age. Taking swimming lessons can go a long way to protecting your children. However, you should also reinforce these talking points often to ensure they understand pool safety:
- Only enter the water when permitted by the supervising adult.
- Never go in the water alone. Always use the buddy system.
- If feeling tired, come out of the water and rest.
- Never run poolside.
- Do not jump or dive into the shallow end.
Among all else, you should always keep a vigilant eye on any children when around water. There are no exceptions.
Invest in Pool Safety Devices
If you have a backyard pool, preventative measures can be taken to mitigate the risk of drowning. Leverage equipment and technology to ensure that the pool is only in use when you are aware and supervising.
Pool Safety Fence
A pool safety fence is a great way to mitigate risk. It wraps around the perimeter of your pool and contains a self-closing and self-latching gate that keeps young children and animals outside the pool area whenever you or another adult is not around.
Pool Safety Cover
A pool safety cover is a smart investment because it can make your pool area safer and help reduce energy costs. When using a pool cover, you want to make sure it's snug, so it doesn’t repel if someone falls onto it. Not all pool safety covers have the same safety standards, so you want to do some research before making the investment.
Pool Safety Alarm and Sensors
One of the best ways to monitor your pool area while away is with technology. Motion sensors can detect and immediately alert you whenever someone enters the pool area. You can also install an additional pool alarm that notifies you whenever someone enters the water. When either or both are alerted, use remote video surveillance to monitor the situation and contact help if needed.
Safety in Public Pools and Open Waters
When enjoying public pools and open waters, you may feel safer since there are more people around, and therefore, more eyes on what is happening in the water. Don’t fall subject to this false sense of security. Never assume someone else is watching you or your child.
When making use of public waters:
- Read and obey all posted rules.
- Always check to make sure a lifeguard is on duty and alert.
- Check that the water is clean, free of debris, and maintained regularly.
- Avoid overly crowded pools.
- Check tide strength and warnings before going into the ocean or sea.
- Don’t swim after dark. Many beaches are closed by sunset, and for good reason.
The fun of swimming and playing in the water can quickly turn sour with improper supervision and a lack of regard for water safety. These tips can help save a life, so always take them seriously. For more insights and practical solutions to home security, talk to an expert at Vector Security today.
