Pool Safety Education
- Pool owners should consider taking a life saving course, usually provided by the local EMS or a nearby municipal pool. Swimming lessons for adults and children alike also should be considered.
- Pools need professional grade life saving equipment such as a Shepherd's pole, a life buoy, a rope and an official life saving ring. These items should be kept by the pool along with a sign explaining CPR and emergency procedures.
- A ground-fault-interrupt circuit must be near the pool to disconnect power quickly in the event of electrocution. Every second counts in an emergency, which is why this is a required installation.
- The pool industry is always coming out with new products and enhancements to existing products designed to promote a safer environment. Pool safety covers, pool alarms and various fencing materials are available. Stairs and ladders come with features like grooved treads to minimize slipping and extra wide stairs with dual handrails for a more secure and stable entryway. A-frame ladders feature steps that swing up off the ground and lock in place to stop small children from gaining unsupervised entry to the pool.
- An adult must always be present and alert when children are playing in and around the pool. He should have a charged cell phone with emergency numbers of neighbors, relatives and friends on speed-dial. Walking away for just a minute is not acceptable when it comes to the safety of others, especially small children.
- Heighten community safety awareness through public service messages on radio and television or by setting up free swim lessons at the municipal pool and inviting the media to cover the story. During the event, have local officials declare Swim Safety Month and have interviews prepared that will have a positive influence on viewers. Be creative and use pool safety as the theme of the day.
- Make sure that all bathers in your swimming pool know the basic safety precautions before they swim. Above-ground pools are not deep enough for diving, and glass, food, drinks and gum should be nowhere near the pool. Decking and other material surrounding a pool can be slippery, so there should be no running or pushing anyone in. Children should only use the pool in the presence of a trained adult. Every hour begins with a bathroom break, so all swimmers must exit the pool. Let common sense be your guide in making pool rules that apply to your particular situation.
Training
Equipment
GFI
Precautions
Supervision
Awareness
Pool Rules
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