Swimming Safety

Swimming Pool rules

Swimming safety is no accident. During the pool season, swimming accidents and drownings occur all to often. Even with the best supervision and swimming pool rules, there seems to be too many children drowning in swimming pools.

Summertime is the best time of the year, in my opinion. Cook-outs, friends, family and swimming.

Unfortunately, for some 300 families per year, Summer the worst time. Additionally, more than 2000 children per year are hospitalized due to submersion injuries.


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The list below will give you a good run-down of what you need for proper swimming safety guidelines and pool rules.

Before adding any chemicals, before looking for that perfect lounge chair, before buying that inflatable life-size whale with the double padded footrest, lumbar support, 4 cup holders and a built-in stand for your 64” HDTV, before inviting anyone over, it’s always and forever:

SWIMMING SAFETY FIRST

Always have adult supervision when children are swimming. Child water safety is always first. Your are the lifeguard when kids are swimming.

1. Install a swimming pool safety fence or barrier completely around your pool
2. The gates should be self-closing and self-latching, especially on a child safety fence
3. Swimming pool door alarms for the inside of your house and fence alarms on the doors of the safety pool fence leading to the pool and the pool gate are recommended. These pool, door, and laser alarms are just part of the layers of protection you need.
4. Install and use a quality swimming pool alarm
5. Instruct any babysitter on the dangers of leaving a child unattended. Install a swimming pool safety cover or a swimming pool safety net and use it.
6. During a large party, always have an adult as the “watcher”. Never assume someone is watching while children are in or near a pool. Again, you are the children's lifeguard.

Don't count on your swimming pool lights to allow you to see. Keep a sharp eye out for your swimmers

7. Just because your child may know how to swim, never assume he is “drown proof”

We don't want your child to become another drowning statistic.

8. Pregnant women should consult their physician before using a Hot Tub or Sauna
9. Stay only up to 15 minutes in a Hot Tub or spa
10. Children under 6 should not use the Hot Tub or spa
11. Stay out of a pool or Hot Tub if you have a communicable disease
12. Even in small swimming pools and kiddie pools children can still drown
13. Have proper life saving devices, i.e. shepherds hook, life vests, and other rescue and life saving equipment near the pool
14. Learn CPR/First Aid and make sure any babysitter or caregiver has CPR/First Aid training

If they don’t have the proper training, don’t use them.

15. Pick up all toys in or around the pool when it’s not in use. Toys are too much of a temptation for children.
16. Always keep the pool gates closed. Never leave the gate open or prop it open for any reason.
17. Keep a regular phone or your cell phone pool-side. Never go inside to answer the phone. Keep emergency numbers next to the phone.

18. Keep children away from pool equipment and filters
19. Have a checklist for swimming safety and refer to it each and every time before entering the pool
20. Always swim with a partner
21. Closely monitor anyone who has been drinking or seems intoxicated. Politely excuse them from swimming.
22. Maintain a clear view of the pool (any trees, bushes or obstacles that could impair your view?)
23. Enroll your child in swimming lessons
24. Instruct children to stay clear of the bottom pool drain. If a child is entrapped by the drain, turn the pool pump motor off immediately.
25. If you plan on having a swimming pool party, be sure you have two adults watching the water at all times. Someone always needs to be the lifeguard.
26. If you plan on going to a public swimming pool, become familiar with their swimming pool rules
27. Be sure you check out the safety concerns if you're planning a trip to a local indoor water park
28. If you plan on building your own swimming pool deck be sure to follow the directions for a secure structure. If you have any doubts, hire a professional.
29. And last, always have adult supervision when children are swimming

If you have any safety pool covers or a swimming pool safety net, use it during the Winter months. A pool safety cover and winter pool covers are a wonderful way to protect children and pets when you're not around.

If you have a pool, you need to live, eat, breathe, walk and talk swimming safety. If someone asks you a question about swimming safety, it should come to you as naturally as blinking. Don't give the answer, "Well, I thought?"

Don't think about swimming safety, you need to KNOW IT.

You can have the most perfectly balanced pool in the world, the best filtration system, and know all there is to know about pools, the best pool tips, chlorine, blah, blah, blah. But if you forget a child safety pool fence or don't know CPR, and something bad happens, what good is it?

Swimming pool safety is not an accident and is everyone's issue, not just "his problem".

Make swimming safety a part of your pool and have a great and SAFE swimming season.

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