Being a pool owner requires attention to detail as well as responsibility. It becomes your job to keep everybody who goes into the pool safe. In the pool world, there is a multitude of advice and tips on how to keep pools safe. But, how do you know what’s true and what’s not? This article will break down and discuss some of the most popular pool safety tips. Keep in mind, this list isn’t all inclusive, only a few tips will be shared. Consult local pool experts to determine the best way to make your pool or spa safe for friends and family.
Children Are at the Highest Risk of Drowning
While this fact might seem obvious, children ages one to four have higher drowning rates than any other age group. One in three accidental deaths occurs from drowning. It is important to follow pool safety rules to keep children and young age children safe in the pool. Close adult supervision and the proper flotation devices will help prevent accidental pool deaths. Also, gender seems to play a factor in pool deaths. According to the CDC, boys and men are more likely to be overconfident in their abilities, which can lead to accidents. On average, over 750 children drown every year and about half of those occur within 20 yards of a parent or guardian.
Drowning Victims Are Often Totally Quiet
A very terrifying claim, but again, this is true. In most cases, you might think that drowning is a very animated, loud ordeal – with splashing and screaming. In reality, drowning causes the person to lose control of their arm and sometimes leg movements. Speech comes secondary to breathing, so, when a person is drowning they are not able to make any noise. The best way to prevent drowning is to be educated on what to do and how to prevent it.
Pool Water is Disinfected – It’s Okay if I Accidentally Drink Some
You should always avoid getting pool water in your mouth, no matter how crystal clean it may appear. The main chemical in pools to prevent bacteria growth is chlorine. Chlorine does not always kill all waterborne germs. In most pools, the chlorine level will fluctuate, especially if it is a high traffic pool. It is the responsibility of the pool owner to keep all chemical levels at a proper range to prevent any waterborne bacteria and germs from getting into the pool. When in doubt, never drink the pool water.
Having a pool is a great investment that can lead to years of fun in the sun. Keep in mind the safety tips above to ensure that your pool is as safe and fun as possible.
Have a swimming pool or hot tub related question? Contact Zagers Pool & Spa by email or phone at 616.896.1717 today!