Did you know the national pool opening day is the last Saturday in April? In addition, did you know there is a National Water Safety Month / National Pool Safety Month? Yes, indeed, there is.
May, National Water Safety Month / National Pool Safety Month. It is celebrated to bring more awareness to swimmers and pool owners everywhere. Truth is, accidental drownings are the leading cause of death among younger children, and drownings are high among older children, as well.
Because of this, pool safety warrants year-round attention. So we’ll take this opportunity to refresh pool owners on some basics above and beyond a quality security fence around the pool area.
Who knows? Taking a few precautions could even lower your insurance costs!
Be Prepared
The Boy Scouts are on the right track: It’s important to prepare yourself for whatever might happen. Whether you keep a First Aid kit near the pool or require CPR lessons for the family, safety is a must.
Other key factors that make a difference include:
- Flotation devices.
- An always-handy cellphone for emergency calls.
- Prominently placed house numbers that enable first responders to find you quickly in an emergency.
Add an Alarm
A self-closing, self-latching gate is another given. But adding an alarm that sounds in your home and on your mobile phone adds protection. With today’s electronics, the safety measures don’t have to stop there. You can set up a camera that instantly sends an image when someone enters the pool area. There are surface monitors that sound when something breaks through the water’s surface. Each of these devices buys precious seconds that can make all the difference.
Set Good Examples
Set rules in the pool area, such as never swimming alone, and strictly enforce them. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teaching your children to swim dramatically decreases their chances of falling victim to accidental drowning. That organization suggests beginning with lessons when your child is age 1. However, experts point out parents must still diligently monitor their children in the pool.
With great pools comes great responsibility. Take the time now to safeguard your pool.
Extend National Pool Safety Month Throughout Your Use
Are you interested in taking advantage of the National pool opening day and implementing pool safety during May and every month thereafter that your pool is open? Fabulous, but you need a pool first. Precision Pools & Spas are here to help you get one, and a beautiful one. Contact us to learn more.