Unexperienced swimmers and children are especially vulnerable to drowning in public or backyard swimming pools, thus making life-saving safety equipment a must for any pool. Whether you are remodeling an existing pool or building from scratch, there are some essential items that you should include in your plans to ensure the safety of everyone using your pool.
This article will discuss the different pool safety equipment available and their purposes, so you can ensure yours is adequately equipped and ready to save lives.
Types of Pool Safety Equipment
Swimming pools are a good source of fun and relaxation, especially during the hot summer months. However, owning a pool also comes with the responsibility of ensuring that it is safe for everyone who uses it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the driving cause of unintentional injury deaths among children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths among children aged 5-14. To prevent such tragic accidents, it’s essential to take appropriate safety measures and equip your pool area with the necessary safety equipment.
1. Pool Alarms
These devices alert you if someone, such as a child or pet, falls into the pool. Pool alarms come in different forms, including floating alarms placed on the water’s surface and perimeter alarms installed around the pool’s edge.
2. Safety Covers
A safety cover is a sturdy barrier that covers the entire pool, preventing accidental entry. These covers are typically made of durable materials, such as mesh or vinyl, and are secured in place with anchors.
3. Pool Fences
A pool fence is a physical barrier around the pool that helps prevent access by young children and pets. It can be made of various materials, such as wood, aluminum, or glass.
4. Life Rings and Life Hooks
These emergency rescue devices can be thrown at someone in the pool who is in distress. Life rings are typically made of buoyant materials, such as foam or plastic, and have a rope attached. Life hooks pull someone out of the water from a safe distance.
5. Pool Covers
You can use a pool cover to maintain pool temperature and cleanliness and provide an extra layer of safety. When properly installed and secured, pool covers can help prevent accidental entry and reduce the risk of drowning.
6. Anti-Entrapment Devices
These devices are designed to prevent people from becoming trapped or caught in pool drains or other equipment. They can include drain covers, safety vacuum release systems, and suction-limiting vent systems.
7. First Aid Kits
Every pool area should have a fully stocked first aid kit readily available. This should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and CPR masks.
Tips and Pool Safety Equipment
Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs are the perfect places to beat the heat, but they can also be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary safety precautions. Whether a seasoned pool owner or a newbie, you must equip your pool with the proper safety gear to prevent drowning deaths and injuries. Here are some tips and equipment to consider:
1. Enclosures and Alarms
Some laws require new pools to install some safety devices to prevent unauthorized access. You can choose from fences, safety latches, safety covers or nets, exit alarms, and alarms that notify you if someone enters the pool without permission.
2. Anti-Entrapment Devices
Pool drains can be a natural hazard, especially for young swimmers. Professional anti-entrapment devices installed over the pool’s drain can help prevent suction-related accidents. Check your drain cover periodically for any signs of wear and tear.
3. CPR
In an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR can be a lifesaver. You can find CPR instructions online and post them in a visible location, along with emergency contact information and warning signs. The Red Cross and other organizations offer CPR, water safety, and first aid classes.
4. Routine Safety Drills
Teach children what to do in emergencies and what not to do, such as running on wet concrete or swimming unsupervised. Make sure to supervise children when they’re in the pool and teach them to follow your house rules.
5. Safety and Rescue Equipment
Having safety and rescue equipment within reach can be critical in an emergency. Keep a rope and float line that separates the shallow and deep ends, a life ring and hook to pull someone to safety, and a first aid kit in a visible and accessible location.
6. Chemical Safety
Keep your Pool chemicals safely secured where children can’t reach them. A reliable maintenance service like Pool Troopers can maintain your pool and ensure your chemicals are stored safely.
7. Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are a fun and effective way to teach everyone, including young children, how to swim. Not only is swimming a great form of exercise, but it can also save lives.
Importance of Pool Safety
Summers sizzling temps make a splash in swimming pools a no-brainer. However, regarding water, safety is crucial as situations can change quickly. Securing your pool and restricting access can prevent injuries and keep drownings from happening.
Did you know that 69% of children who drown or are submerged in swimming pools were not expected to be in or around the pool? From 2015 to 2017, there were about 379 fatal child drownings per year, with 75% occurring in children under five. Over half of these accidents happen when adults aren’t present, and 71% occur in residential areas, such as at home or a friend or neighbor’s house.
To keep kids safe in and around water, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind. JC Fultz, Florida’s State Fire Marshall, advises that it all starts with locking up your pool as best you can. Additionally, ensure that your pool or spa has drain covers, teach children to stay away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings, and empty or flip over inflatable pools when they’re not in use.
