A home swimming pool is a great way to get family and friends together for some fun. Surely, there's something therapeutic about being in the waterthan anywhere else in the home or outdoors. Of course, a night swim at the beach would also do the trick. But whatever your preferences are, how can you miss out on a quick dip? With the sunshine overhead beckoning and a cool beverage in hand begging for a sip, what can go wrong? Go for it! With either an in-ground or an inflatable pool, any day is good as any other for that swim.
As fun and innocuous as a swimming pool is, people sometimes fail to grasp the hidden hazards that go with its usage. Deaths do occur in swimming pools as in any body of water. A BMJ journal on injury prevention reports that swimming pool deaths are high in the USA, with an 18% mortality rate; Australia, 13%; and New Zealand, 7%. The study concluded that drowning is now a major public health concern in various countries. As such, pool safety is encouraged and required of pool owners. It is of paramount importance that people know a thing or two about it. No exceptions. It is safe to say that pool safety protocols are the last layer of protection against fatal accidents in pool areas. Here are some home swimming pool safety tips to ensure that no unwanted incidents occur whilst you're having fun.
Pool Safety Tip #1:Read up on local ordinances and codes that deal with pool safety requirements
Note that these safety laws apply to all pools associated with domestic buildings like motels, hotels, and backpacker hostels. A different rule is implemented when the pool is located in a property being sold or is rented or bought.
Pool Safety Tip #2:Use non-slip materials on the pool deck, diving board, and ladders
Sadly, some accidents involving the pool area don't directly happen in the pool. Some happen on a slippery diving board or pool deck. In Australia alone, approximately 20% of quadriplegia cases have been due to diving accidents. Moreover, a near drowning victim who happens to figure in the pool's slippery ladder or handrail is not a good sign either.
Pool Safety Tip #3: Make the pool ladders safer to use
The steps of pool ladders should have a dimension of at least three inches. They should also have handrails on both sides that are good enough for a child to grasp, and these ladders should be installed on both sides of the pool. Logically, the step ladders and their handrails act as one of the immediate life-saving mechanisms in the pool in addition to the other installations located around the pool area.
Pool Safety Tip #4:Water depths should be marked, noticeable enough for swimmers to see. Install float lines.
Not all pools are created the same. Some have sloping floors, so it's advised that float lines be installed to add a layer of safety within the pool itself.
Pool Safety Tip #5: Never leave children unattended
Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death and injury worldwide according to the World Health Organization's fact sheet . Be sure to supervise your children whilst in the pool. Being near them is not enough. It's important for you to pay attention to them, as putting your focus elsewhere even for a few seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
Pool Safety Tip #6: Do not swim alone
If you're under the influence of liquor, drugs, or medication, it's unwise to go swimming alone. Given the circumstance, a sudden lapse of judgement whilst intoxicated is always bound to happen, leading to eventual unintentional death. As the same BMJ article indicates, drowning and unintentional death are caused by alcohol-intoxication 30% to 70% of the time.
Pool Safety Tip #7: Rescue devices and first-aid supplies should always be near the pool
Rescue devices like flotation gears should be at arms-length always. First-aid supplies should also constantly be at the ready. Pool accidents do happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Children should always have flotation devices attached to their persons at all times.
Pool Safety Tip #8: The pool and other related equipment should be maintained regularly
The regular upkeep of your pool and its safety devices are a big must. Cover all sharp edges including protruding bolts. Repair and replace busted and worn-out non-slip materials. Be sure to also clean it regularly.
Pool Safety Tip #9: Have a fence around the pool area
A fence of at least six feet high should be installed around all sides of the pool. Doing so can prevent unsupervised children from entering the pool area. It's also not advisable to leave toys in and around it. Moreover, an alert alarm on your pool fence would make a whole lot of difference. It could potentially warn you of kid incursions there.
Pool Safety Tip #10: Proper Equipment is the key
Aside from that fence around your pool area, it would be sensible to invest in a durable pool cover, too. It will prevent children from falling directly into the pool whilst they're horse playing. A pool cover serves as another layer of protection when a pool is not in use. It is a great barrier-catch in itself. Moreover, it would be prudent to maintain the integrity of your pool's drain and suction covers. An unchecked suction and pool drain is a potential hazard, and oftentimes fatal. Statistics show that children in the age group of seven to eleven are the victims of these accidents popularly known in the Accident Lawyer circles as Circulation Entrapment Accidents. It sucks its victim underwater, pulling hair and sometimes limb. It would therefore be advisable to keep a pair of scissors nearby just in case it happens. It would also be sensible to make sure that your pool suction and drain meet the Victoria Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Standard.
Inflatable Pools are Safer Than In-Ground Pools
Surveys show that inflatable pools and other types of above ground swimming pools are safer than in-ground pools due to their pool walls, which extend above the ground. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that whilst 50% of fatal drownings take place in in-ground pools, only 10% take place in portable swimming pools such as the inflatable pools. In this regard, you may want to opt for an inflatable pool for your home. For the best portable and inflatable pools, visit Outbax now.
