Sink or Swim: How to Safeguard your Swimming Pool

So, you are a pool owner, and the excitement has already begun as we enter the summer months! Or maybe you are just pondering the idea of having a swimming pool installed. Either way, there are responsibilities to consider, and they all stem from the goal of keeping the swimming pool and surrounding area safe for everyone! As refreshing, fun, and exciting as the pool can be, it can also be a safety hazard for children and adults alike if the proper safeguards are not taken.

With safety in mind, everyone, from the youngest children to the oldest of adults, must understand the importance of basics like never swimming alone! Do your own research in order to educate yourself as well as all those who will be using the swimming pool, or even spending time in the area around the pool, concerning “Safe Practices.” Of course, one of the most important factors in safety is that you make a commitment to learn to swim and provide swimming lessons for those in your care. It is also a good idea for one or more members of the household be trained in CPR.

Parents are always responsible for the supervision of their children, either personally or by someone responsible who is specifically designated. It is not enough to say that there are adults near the pool. Someone should be designated as a “watcher” at all times, and children should never be left unattended. The absolute best protection for children in the pool is adult supervision and that does not simply mean an adult presence! It means adults, who know how to swim, actively paying attention to the children in their care! Parents should insist that those supervisors put the cellphones aside!

Pool owners are responsible to check the pool area for “slip hazards,” check water for healthy chemical and PH levels, and store pool chemicals in a safe, secure location. Owners are also responsible to check the condition and proper placement of drain covers and provide regular and timely maintenance. Be certain that a First Aid Kit is available and accessible along with any rescue equipment in the pool area, such as life ring, safety rope, pool safety hook, and signs such as “No Running,” “No Diving,” and “Pool Rules.” Make sure you have a well-detailed plan of what to do in the event of a pool accident or emergency. While attempting to eliminate any risk, it should be noted that accidents can happen. Ample preparation can minimize injury or even save a life. Emergency contact numbers should be close at hand, and supervisors should be well-versed in what to do should the need arise.

There are many pool toys that can add tremendously to the fun of the summer swim experience, but all such toys should be cleared from the pool area when not in use. Remove the temptation for young ones to find a way into the pool area to get at the blow-up toys, pool noodles, squirt guns, and other toys! It is also important to remember that these toys are not approved flotation devices. Do not rely on them in any way for pool safety. Diving boards and water slides also can be sources of enjoyment, but they also are the cause of many injuries and are better left out of the backyard pool.

Remember that the swimming pool is not an “open” area and should be “closed off” from easy access. The physical pool area should include a protective fence, at least four feet high to restrict entrance to the pool deck. There should be no openings in the fence, climbable objects, or any other way over, under, or through it other than an entry gate specifically for that purpose. These access gates should be self-closing with closures that are self-latching to prevent the gate from being left open accidentally.

Pool covers are a must in order to prevent unsupervised or accidental pool entry while the pool is not in use! A good pool cover must be durable enough to support the weight of an adult. Alarms should be installed and armed to warn of unexpected, unauthorized accessing of the pool area. These measures will protect family, friends, and neighbours—and even the pets of those in the area.

Be clear with family and guests to avoid any “mix-ups”:

• Alcohol and swimming pools don’t mix.
• Electrical devices and swimming pools don’t mix.
• Glass containers and swimming pools don’t mix.
• Horseplay and swimming pools don’t mix.

Call your broker to check your liability insurance as well as local bylaws to ensure there are no other local precautions required that we might have missed in this article. Be certain that your summer pool experience remains an exciting, fun, and accident-free experience!

Safeguard your swimming pool and enjoy!