Swimming Pool Safety Tips
Swimming is a fun hobby and an excellent, healthy sport. Unfortunately, many people die each year from swimming pool related accidents. Not all of these deaths are the result of drowning; some can occur because of head injuries or other similar forms of trauma to the body. There are ways that these types of accidents can be prevented, and with a few simple changes, the pool can be a safe and fun place to be. Children should be watched very carefully around the pool. Water wings or a life vest should always be worn by children under the age of five, and they should never be allowed to swim unsupervised. Lifeguards should always be posted at public pools. Running around or near the pool should be avoided at all costs, and horseplay should not be allowed. Diving boards must be installed securely and properly, and the water depth should be a minimum of 6 feet at the diving end.
The drains used in pools can be very powerful, and in some cases they can actually cause serious injury or death. This incident is referred to as drain entrapment because the powerful suction of the drain can pull someone in so that they are unable to break free, causing them to drown. While children typically tend to be prone to drain entrapment related injuries or deaths, it can also affect adults. A recent law called the Virgnia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act has now required that all pool drains have a protective cover on them to help prevent this from occurring. Parent should check to make sure all pool drains are properly covered. Those with long hair should be especially careful around the drains. A safety vacuum release system can be installed in most pools, which causes the drain to shut off automatically if someone or something gets caught.
Pools should always have some kind of fencing or other enclosure around the perimeter. This enclosure should help to keep children from entering the pool without supervision. The enclosure should be locked and impenetrable to small children. Kids should also be educated about how to swim properly at a young age. Swimming lessons can be found at local community pools, schools, and recreation centers. The instructor should be CPR certified, and should show children about the safe way to swim. Parents and adults can also take lessons on how to make a basic drowning rescue. This course should include learning how to properly perform CPR and how to administer the necessary first aid. Victims of near-drowning need special attention, and only those trained in how to handle this type of situation should address it. Rescue breathing techniques can be taught, and proper equipment such as a life rings and a long stick so the person who may be drowning can grab on and be pulled to safety. Following safety rules and understanding how to practice good pool etiquette can be the difference between a fun day at the pool and a tragedy.
For more information about pool safety, please refer to the following websites:
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