Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Swimming in our backyard pools is a great way to cool off and have fun in the summer. Nevertheless, safety is the number one priority in and around the pool, especially when children are participating in the aquatic activities. Here are essential tips to prevent swimming pool injuries or other disasters:

• Installing a fence around the pool.
  • A fence can prevent children from entering the pool. The fence should be at least 1.5 meters high and have a self-closing and self-latching gate.
  • A gate alarm to alert if the gate is opened can also be installed.
  • When the pool is not in use, ladders or lawn furniture near the fence should be removed to prevent kids from climbing over the fence.
• A pool alarm should be installed to notify when someone enters the pool.
• A pool cover should be installed to cover pool entirely. When the pool is in use, the cover must be completely removed to prevent kids or pets from being trapped underneath it.
• Children should be taught how to swim from an early age. The ability to float on water is also a skill everyone should know.
• Children who are playing in the pool must be supervised even if they know how to swim. A responsible adult should stay within arm’s reach of them and never allow them to swim alone.
• No one, including adults, should ever swim alone. Swimming after consuming alcohol, eating or taking medication is also a bad idea.
• The Canadian Red Cross recommends providing young children or inexperienced swimmers with life jackets.
• The pool should be routinely cleaned and maintained. Adjusting the chemical levels, removing debris, and cleaning the filter are some of the pool maintenance tasks that must be done on a regular basis. 
• The materials on the pool deck, such as diving boards or ladders, must be non-slip. Any toys or electrical appliances from the deck should be removed. Running near the pool should be avoided to prevent slips and injuries.
• Everyone in the household who is old enough must know how to respond to emergencies. A first aid kit and rescue devices must be kept near the pool.

More general safety tips for children can be found here. Furthermore, tips to keep children safe from fire are available here. The PuroClean team stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any property affected by fire, water or mould damage.

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