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#### Summer Pool Safety Tips You Need to Know

There’s little as refreshing on a hot summer day as a cooling dip in the pool but if you are looking for that cool dip, there are pool safety tips you need to be aware of.

Splashing, swimming, diving, and generally playing around are all part of the fun, and adults like it as much as kids.

The American Red Cross reports that over 200 children drown every year in backyard swimming pools, and that’s a sobering statistic. While no one wants to spoil the fun or put the fear of water into kids or those just learning to swim, being aware of the dangers of water-related accidents helps everyone stay safe, and have fun.

#### Community Pools Safety Tips

They’re great places to gather with friends or go for a family day out. Social, lively, and with excitement generally running high, it’s easy to let your guard down. Young people and children are especially likely to get caught up in the moment and indulge in reckless behavior.

There are local, state and federal laws that owners or operators of public pools or spas should follow, and indeed most do. Mistakes and accidents still happen though, so it’s a good idea to check for yourself that all the regulations are being observed:

- There should be barriers that limit access to pools or spas. These are there for safety reasons, to stop anyone running blindly into the water.
- Regular pool inspections are required by law.
- Safety drain covers should meet current regulations.
- The pumps should be running.
- Life rings and reaching poles should be available for use and easily accessible.

As well as the pool operators making sure all safety regulations are complied with, you need to do your part too. There should be lifeguards stationed around the swimming or water areas, but even with the best in the world, they can’t have eyes everywhere.

Take responsibility for your own safety and that of your children by keeping eagle eyes on them at all times. If pool safety rules are posted, which they should be, point these out to older kids and make it clear you expect them to follow the rules.

#### Hot Tubs and Home Pools Safety Tips

There’s no reason you can’t put similar safety measures into place at home and ensure your children are aware of the pool safety tips.

Home may feel like a more laid-back swimming environment, where some of the pool rules and regulations can be relaxed. This isn’t a good idea, though, because water is just as dangerous wherever it is.

- At home, make sure your pool is surrounded by a fence at least four feet high. Install a gate that shuts and latches itself so kids don’t have to stop playing to shut the gate manually.
- Make it a habit to always use a safety cover on the pool when it’s not in use. If your pool is above ground, remove the ladders and forbid its use when you’re not around to supervise.
- Stay close to young children so you can reach them quickly in an emergency. Being close could prevent some emergencies if you can respond the instant anyone gets into trouble.
- Enroll youngsters in swimming classes so they learn to swim properly and develop confidence in the water. However, you should still have flotation devices around the pool as a safety measure. The added bonus is they’re fun to play with.
- Don’t let kids swim alone. Make sure they know to stay away from drains or pumps, to only dive into deep water, and not to run around the pool edge

As well as setting down basic pool safety behavior rules, monitor water quality by regularly checking the chemical levels and adjusting as necessary. Infections such as earaches or rashes are common when water quality dips.

Make sure everyone knows basic first aid and how to respond to water emergencies. It’s a good idea to take a CPR course so you can assist while waiting for emergency services if an accident happens. And talking about emergency services, make sure your phone is charged and close at hand.

#### Home Pool Safety Kit

It doesn’t take much effort to put together your own pool safety kit whenever the pool is in use. Make sure family members and visitors know where it’s kept.

Here’s what you should include in your Pool Safety Kit:

1. Scissors, just in case you need to cut clothes or hair
2. A flotation device you can use to help anyone in trouble without going searching for one
3. A phone, charged so you can call for help
4. A first aid kit to deal with cuts, bruises, stings or bites

All water is fun on a hot day, especially in your home or community pool. However, the more water there is, the higher the potential danger. Always bear safety in mind so your watery fun goes swimmingly.

Used under Creative Commons image attribution license 2.0

By SignatureCare ER | Jul 15th, 2015| Categories: Community, Health & Wellness, Kids
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