Pools offer a refreshing escape on hot days, providing endless fun for families and friends. However, like any body of water, understanding water safety is paramount. We’ve compiled this essential water safety guide to ensure your oasis remains a safe and refreshing space for all.
Secure the pool area.
One of the most critical aspects of pool safety is securing the environment to prevent unauthorized access, especially for young children and pets. This can be achieved in several ways.
- Enclose your pool in an (at least) four-foot-tall fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
- Install a pool alarm to alert you if someone has entered the pool without your knowledge.
- Use a pool safety cover to create a barrier between your child and the water.
As with all tips in this guide and on our blog, the above are best practice recommendations. While these features and further tips have been shown to prevent accidents and injury, their implementation does not guarantee complete safety. Adult supervision and responsibly enjoying your pool are essential to ensuring everyone has a safe and fun time in the pool.
Supervise swimmers at all times.
According to the World Health Organization, drowning remains the third leading cause of unintentional injury and death worldwide.
We all play a part in protecting fellow swimmers, regardless of age. To help reduce this risk, designate a responsible adult as the “water watcher,” whose sole responsibility is supervising swimmers.
This person should avoid distractions such as cell phones, socializing or other activities like reading that could divert attention from watching the pool.
For added safety, enroll children in swimming lessons at an early age. This will teach them essential water survival skills and ensure comfort and confidence in the water.
Establish clear water safety rules.
Your oasis. Your rules. As the owner of your Aqua Blue pool, you are the primary protector of those entering your waters. Educate family members and guests about essential water safety rules and guidelines. Teach children never to run, push or play rough near the water to prevent accidents and injuries.
Emphasize the importance of avoiding pool drains and other openings to avoid entrapment or entanglement. Additionally, establish clear rules for diving, jumping and entering the pool to prevent collisions and accidents.
As a rule of thumb, the American Red Cross recommends that diving only be permitted in waters nine feet or deeper.
Learn CPR and have a first aid kit handy.
Preparing for emergencies is crucial for pool safety. Learn CPR and first aid techniques to respond effectively to drowning and other pool-related emergencies.
Keep rescue equipment such as life rings, reaching poles and a first aid kit nearby and ensure all family members and caregivers know how to use them. In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions until help arrives.
Maintain pool equipment and water quality.
Regular maintenance of pool equipment and water quality is essential for ensuring a safe and healthy swimming environment. Pool chemicals should be stored out of children’s reach and applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Test the pool water regularly to maintain proper pH, chlorine and chemical levels, and ensure that filtration and circulation systems are functioning correctly. Regularly clean and inspect pool drains, covers and other equipment to prevent entrapment hazards and mechanical failures.
Not sure how to care for your pool or don’t have the time? Aqua Blue Pools is proud to provide regular pool maintenance services for all Aqua Blue owners. Reach out to our team to learn more!
Create a Safe Space For Family Fun
As the Lowcountry’s premier custom pool builder, Aqua Blue Pools is ready to bring your dream pool to life. Since 1991, our team has designed and built pools in a range of styles for residential and commercial clients from South Carolina’s Lowcountry to Savannah. We are proud to work closely with our clients to create and execute impressive custom projects built to last. Contact us today to begin planning your oasis!