Pool Your Resources: Having a Safe Summer Out In the Sun

Save to notebook Email article Print article More articles

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

From water parks to pool parties, the warmer weather makes a big splash in family fun. But, experts assert that ensuring smooth sailing out in the water means making sure everyone is safe and sound.

· Make sure children are within your sight at all times

· Refrain from enrolling children under the age of 4 in swimming class. And regardless of age make sure your child is “water safe” by making sure a lifeguard is supervising the session.

· Note that tubes and plastic rafts don’t (always) prevent drowning accidents. Experts suggest taking responsibility for the safety of your child by keeping a close watch on him or her, even in shallow waters, because even innocent games can take a turn for the worse.

· Establish A “No Games” policy. Sometimes accidents due to roughhousing happen. Do your part in preventing such injuries by forbidding questionable pool play. And, if you can make it a point to be in the water with your child.

· Make sure life-saving equipment is easily accessible and readily available. Look for life preservers and poles with hooks at pool facilities where your child swims.

· Prep yourself for emergencies. Brush up on CPR skills, have hotline numbers readily available and remember to think fast but keep your cool in case of emergency.

· Keep in mind that despite chlorination public pools can harbor organisms and be a source of infection leading to diarrhea, rashes and other health issues. And, note, that pools requiring showers before swimming reduce the risk.

As far as “at home” pools are concerned, keep the following in mind.

· Fences and walls should be at lest four feet in height and should go all the way around the pool. Fence gates need to be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch well out of your small child’s reach.

· Homes that serve as part of the barrier to the pool need doors leading from the house to the pool protected by alarms that sound off when the door is unexpectedly opened.

· Motor powered barriers that can be placed over the water area should be used when the pool is not.

· Above ground pools require steps and ladders that are secured or locked in place. Otherwise, they should be removed when the pool is not in use.

· In case of missing children, look in the pool fist and act quickly, since in these instances, seconds and minutes count. Make sure you have rescue equipment and a phone by the pool with emergency numbers easily accessible, readable and listed. And, make sure someone knows CPR.

· If you use ad pool alarm, it’s recommended you use a remote alarm so that it can be heard inside the house or in other areas away from the pool area.