Summer is here, and swimming pools are attracting crowds. A popular way to escape the heat, swimming pools can cause tragic accidents if precautions aren’t taken. Learn what you can do to protect your family and prevent swimming pool accidents.
Protect Your Pool
If you have a swimming pool at home, you should take steps to secure the area, and prevent children, pets, or poor swimmers from being allowed near the pool without supervision. Here are some tips to protect your swimming pool:
- Fence the pool with sturdy fencing that completely surrounds the area. An ideal fence is more than 4 feet tall, made of vertical bars, with self-latching gates at all access points.
- Never allow children to swim unsupervised, and never allow an adult to swim alone, even if they are a strong swimmer.
- Designate at least one adult to watch the pool when there are swimmers.
- Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear life vests.
- Clean up pool toys and put them away to keep children from entering the pool to play.
- Keep furniture, planters, and other objects away from the pool fence to prevent children from climbing the fence.
- Always completely remove pool covers and vacuums before entering the pool, and replace them when finished.
- Take a CPR class, and post emergency numbers in a conspicuous place near the pool, along with rescue supplies such as a float. You should also keep a charged mobile phone on hand, in case of an emergency.
Observe Safe Habits
When swimming, you and your family should always follow some simple rules to prevent injuries. Whether enjoying your own pool or swimming with friends or family, a few easy rules can help you stay safe. These rules include:
- No running or horseplay in or around the pool.
- Never dive into water that is less than 6 feet deep.
- Don’t swim alone or allow others to swim alone.
- Refrain from drinking and swimming.
- Never use foam toys or blow-up pool toys as rescue devices or a substitute for a life jacket.
- Know your limits, and get out of the water before you reach them. If you are tired, dehydrated, or attempting a trick, you can be injured.
- Enroll your children in a swimming class. Even infants can be taught to self-rescue. Look for classes aimed at teaching your child to float until they can be rescued.
If you’ve been injured in an accident at a pool, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Our injury attorneys can help you file your claim and fight for your rights. At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we are committed to providing our clients with tailored client service to help you get through this difficult time. Contact our offices today by calling (254) 938-6885 for a no cost consultation.