Pool Safety Tips for Summer

Summer is almost here, and that means hours of pool-time fun for many families in Houston. As the weather heats up, more families will hit public and private swimming pools for relief from high temperatures. While using the pool can be a fun family activity, it can also be dangerous. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About one in five people in fatal drowning accidents are children ages 14 and younger. This summer, follow these tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the water.

Take Swimming Classes

Everyone can benefit from learning how to swim. Enroll your child in swimming lessons as soon as he or she is old enough to do so. The CDC reports that formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning in children ages 1 to 4 years. However, even teens and adults can benefit from swimming lessons. Take classes as a family activity before summer gets into full swing. The more confident children feel in their swimming abilities, the less likely serious injury is to occur in a swimming pool accident.

Get CPR Certified

Parents should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Most community centers and schools offer courses to get your CPR certification. Performing CPR as quickly as possible can reduce the victim’s odds of suffering serious outcomes such as coma, brain death, and death. Learning CPR can give you a lifesaving skill that might come in handy when you least expect it. CPR can save a life while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Invest in Flotation Devices

If you have any doubts about the safety of your children and family members while swimming, encourage them to wear personal flotation devices. These systems can save your child’s life if he or she accidentally goes into the deep end of the pool. Safety devices are especially important at a busy pool party with lots of people swimming. The lifeguard may miss a child’s head going under, but a life vest or other float system may prevent drowning. If swimming somewhere other than a pool, make sure you learn the laws regarding life jackets. Keep in mind that pool noodles, inner tubes, and air-filled toys like water wings are not safety devices.

Use the Buddy System

Parental supervision is key to preventing child drowning incidents. However, it only takes a moment of inattention for a child to go under and never resurface. The buddy system is one way to reduce this risk. Pair children up with a swimming buddy that he/she must stay with at all times. Swimming with a buddy in addition to adult supervision and lifeguards can reduce the risk of drowning, as well as bring attention to a potential problem as quickly as possible.

Keep Your Pool Safe

If you own a swimming pool, you are legally obligated to keep it safe from trespassing children. This involves taking some measure to ensure children can’t get into your pool unsupervised. You may need to invest in a swimming pool cover with a lock, a gate with a security code, high fencing, or a swimming pool motion sensor alarm.

You must also keep your pool properly maintained for visitors at all times. This means using appropriate drain covers, repairing any broken elements, and keeping the pool deck clear from hazardous obstacles. You must also warn of any known risks, such as posting “No Diving” signs for shallow pools. These measures can protect children from accidental drowning and can save you from liability in the event of accidental injury or death.