May is National Water Safety Month and just in time for the swimming season. Backyard swimming pools are made for fun but now is the time to go over water safety with your family to keep everyone swimming safe. These are some simple water safety steps that could help save lives this summer.
When children are around the pool, always be alert and staying close to the pool. Today's technology offers many distractions and staying attentive while around the pool is very important. Never leave small children unattended, no matter how short a time is needed. Before you and your family start swimming, go over basic water safety tips with them. Share basic safety instructions with family members and friends who will be using the pool too. Make sure a phone is nearby the pool area in case of an emergency.
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| Get children acclimated to the water with swimming lessons. |
Another step is learning and practicing water safety skills. Teach your children how to swim in the pool. Learning to swim can help keep children playing safely in the pool this summer. Be prepared in case there is an emergency by learning how to perform CPR. Learning CPR for both adults and children can help save a life in case a situation occurs. Once you learn CPR, be sure to update or refresh the skills regularly. It's also a good idea to learn and understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in in a pool emergency. Learning and practicing these key water safety skills can be the difference during a critical situation.
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| Fencing provides additional water safety. |
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| Keep gates locked when pool isn't in use. |
Lastly, having the appropriate safety equipment around the pool can help prevent an emergency from occurring. Start with making sure a four foot or taller fence completely encloses the pool. At entry points of the fence ensure that gates are self closing or self latching. Keep gates locked when the pool is not in use so that neighbor children can't wander in. If your pool has an automatic pool cover installed, be sure to keep the key inside and out of reach from children. Pools without an automatic safety cover can utilize pool alarms, which monitor undercurrents of the pool. For example if a child fell into the pool the alarm sounds both outside and in the house. You can also set up door alarms leading from your house to the backyard too. Finally make sure you pool equipment is up to date. Make sure drain and suction covers are in good working order and up to current standards. Keep a life saving ring and pole nearby the pool for quick access during an emergency.
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| PoolGuard Pool Alarm |
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| Safety buoys |
Nothing beats enjoying the backyard swimming pool with family and friends. Make sure you and your family is prepared for water safety while getting the most enjoyment from your pool. Talk with your local pool professionals if you have any questions about ways to prevent accidents or how to update your backyard. Be sure to check outhttp://www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org/ for even more safety tips for parents and children all season long.
