The pool area is usually thought of as a fun, happy destination; but with the CDC reporting that drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 and that the majority of those deaths occur in pools, we know that this fun, happy destination can turn into a devastating place of loss if we aren’t careful.
Let’s take a look at some of the safety tips suggested by PoolSafely.gov for both residential and community pools.
Residential Pools
- All pools should have a fence at least four feet high and with a self-latching gate around their perimeter.
- Pool alarms should be installed to alert you when a young child has somehow gotten through the fence unattended.
- Don’t let your young children use the pool without an adult present. Older siblings may not be appropriate guardians.
- Enroll your children in swimming lessons as early as possible.
- If you can’t locate one of your children inside the home, always check the pool area before any other outside locations. That way, if they are in the pool and are not breathing, you can give them the earliest medical response possible.
- Keep a phone nearby when you and your family are enjoying the pool.
- Take a first aid and CPR course so that you know the best way to handle a poolside emergency.
Community Pools
- Never leave children unattended and don’t rely on other swimmers to monitor your child. It takes as little as three-minutes without oxygen for a brain to become irreparably damaged, and death can occur in five. Leaving your child unattended for even a couple of minutes could be a mistake you never stop regretting.
- Visit those community pools that have a staff trained in CPR and first aid.
- Make sure the pool has been inspected and is in compliance with federal laws and regulations before you allow your children to enter it.
- Keep your cell phone on and available while you are visiting the pool.
- If you allow older children to go to the pool without you, make sure they know how to swim and that there is an attentive staff and lifeguard on duty.
Keeping your poolside trips fun and safe is an active endeavor for parents, but the comfort of knowing that you are reducing your risk of injuries and protecting your family makes it completely worth it.
If you have a pool, make sure your Denver Homeowners Insurance with Insurance Advisors has you covered.