Summer temperatures in St Louis mean one thing – visiting the swimming pool. Whether you are visiting your local community swimming pool or have one in your back yard, swimming pool safety is an important topic. Follow these steps to help to make sure everyone has a fun and safe time while splashing in the pool:
General Swimming Pool Safety:
Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time.
Make sure kids learn these five water survival skills and that they are able to:
-step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface;
-float or tread water for one minute;
-turn around in a full circle and find an exit;
-swim 25 yards to exit the water; and
-exit the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder
Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as “no diving,” “stay away from drain covers,” “swim with a buddy” and “walk please.”
When using water slides, always go feet first.
Before diving or sliding, check to be sure that other swimmers are out of the way.
Check the water depth. You don’t want to get hurt diving into water that’s too shallow.
Always wear sunscreen. Without it, you could end up with painful sunburn, which can lead to other health problems.
Never swim after drinking alcoholic beverages, eating, or taking medications.
If you have a pool at your home:
Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a child’s life.
Secure the gate with a lock. The best gates are self-closing and self-latching. Position the latches well out of reach of children. Install an audible gate alarm that will alert you inside the house if the gate is opened.
Get an in-the-water pool alarm too — one that will alert you if anyone jumps or falls in the pool
In your home, secure doors and windows leading to the pool, so kids don’t have access from inside the house.
Keep rescue devices and first aid supplies near the pool.
Teach children what to do in case of emergency. An alarm bell that could summon help would be a good idea.
Keep electrical appliances such as radios out of the pool area because of the hazard of electrical shock.
Put toys away. People might trip over them and hurt themselves. No one wants that!
Barricade the pool completely. Experts recommend a fence of at least four feet tall, with slats close enough together that kids can’t squeeze between them. Make sure there are no handholds or footholds for agile climbers.
By following the safety rules, you can make sure your summer is both fun and safe.
Published on 2018-05-22 22:44:50
