Swimming is an excellent exercise and a fun way to stay cool when the temperature climbs, but it’s critical to keep your family (and even your pet dog) safe in the water. Drowning is the most common cause of accidental death among children ages one to four.
Read on to learn more about best practices for water safety.
Put Water Safety First
Only swim in areas designated by lifeguards, and never swim alone even in a public pool or at a beach. Teach children that they should never go near water without permission. Children should always be supervised by an adult when near the water, never by another child. Young children and non-swimmers should always wear Coast Guard-certified life jackets around the pool. Enforce these rules.
Boating Safety Measures
Everyone should wear a properly-fitted life jacket when on a boat or around natural bodies of water. Falling into rivers, lakes, and streams can be dangerous because of currents, cold temperatures, and other hazards. Avoid drinking alcohol while on a boat; not only does it impair balance and judgment, it limits your swimming abilities and prevents the body from staying warm.
Install Safety Features
If you have a pool or hot tub at home, make sure a locked fence protects it. Pool alarms and safety covers are also standard pieces of equipment to have around children. Barriers should be at least four feet high and have self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward from the pool. The latch should be at adult height. Remove access ladders from inflatable and above ground pools. Move items such as outdoor furniture and playground equipment that could provide access to the pool area. When the pool is not in use, put pool toys in a shed and out of sight to avoid attracting unattended children to the pool.
Watch Children Closely
Even when lifeguards are present, make sure to supervise children when they’re swimming. Never leave kids alone at a beach or public pool. Young children should be within arms’ reach. Avoid distractions such as your phone when watching children near water. If you don’t see a child right away, check the water. Seconds make a big difference when it comes to drowning. Call 9-1-1 immediately if a child does fall into the water.
Enrolling the entire family in Red Cross-approved swim lessons can help prevent a tragic accident. Classes are available for children as young as six months. If you want to be extra safe and find a good excuse to spend time with the family doing something productive, look into taking a local class. Taking as much preparation as possible is the most important thing you can do when it comes to the safety of you and your family. It’s also important to keep your pool pure from nasty debris and bacteria. For all of your at-home pool cleaning and maintenance needs, contact Blue Chip Pool Service today.
