Pool Safety Today
Pool safety is important regardless of the age of the children in the home. Pets and adults can also suffer from water emergencies. It is necessary to have safety in mind, the fun stops when an emergency occurs. Along with a variety of products, you also need rules, lighting and a way to watch everyone in the pool at all times. Pool safety is the most important thing when it comes to owning and maintaining a swimming pool.
Pool Fence
Every backyard swimming pool in Westchester County should have a fence or protective barrier of some kind. The locking mechanism should be far out of the reach of children. Children should not be made aware of where a key for a manual lock is kept. If a combination lock is used, they should not have the combination either. The height of the pool fence should be a minimum of 6-feet and it should not have any items built-in that can be climbed. The bars on the pool fence should run up and down only.
Safety Alarm
An audible alarm on the pool gate or an invisible barrier that is monitored by a laser should be installed. This is another layer of security that will alert parents if children intrude on the space when they are not permitted to. The alarm should sound both indoors and outdoors. Special wiring for this can be completed.
Take a CPR Class
You should consider taking a CPR or lifeguard class if you plan to have a pool in the backyard. In the event of an emergency, you will know what to do and it could result in you saving a life. Every second counts when there is a water emergency, regardless if it is an injury or potential drowning.
Your adrenaline may be pumping when an emergency occurs but you must stay as calm as possible in order to properly treat the person in distress. Clear judgment has to be used in order to administer the right kind of emergency care for the person in trouble while alerting 911 to arrive at the home.
Safety Equipment
Safety equipment is important to have on-hand in an accessible area. This means that lifesaving rings should be along the exterior fencing area of the pool at both the shallow and deep ends. Children with poor swimming skills should have a life vest or floatation device available.
Other safety equipment includes a lasso on a pole to grab someone quickly should a cramp, breathing emergency or injury occur.
Other safety equipment includes:
· A buoy on a rope
· Waterproof nylon rope
· Proper lighting
· An emergency pump shut off button
· A first aid kit
Within the safety equipment list should be a barrier during pool construction or pool renovation processes. This will prevent children and pets from becoming injured during this process.
Lighting
Proper lighting is important in a pool area, especially where night swimming will take place. Motion sensor lighting should be in place when the pool area will be unattended during overnight hours. This will help to deter intruders and those that should not be in the pool when no one is available to monitor the activity.
Pathway lighting and interior pool lights should also be in place. This will help swimmers to see where the barriers are after dark to prevent injuries. Pathway lighting can be solar lighting that will not use any additional electricity. It is an eco-friendly and budget friendly way to maintain safety in the outdoor space after dark.
Safety Rules Posting
It is a good idea to post rules for the pool. These rules should be easy to understand and in simple terms for swimmers of all ages. You should go over the rules with visitors and ensure that the children know what the rules are even without having to read them. Those that do not follow the rules should have consequences to endure, such as a time-out or exiting the pool for the day.
Maintaining these safety tips will help you and your family to have a fun, safe experience while enjoying a pool in the comfort of your own backyard. Keep in mind that as children grow, the locking mechanism on pool fences may need to be changed. Rules will need to be adjusted and new CPR, lifesaving or first aid courses will also need to be taken.
Pool Fence
Every backyard swimming pool in Westchester County should have a fence or protective barrier of some kind. The locking mechanism should be far out of the reach of children. Children should not be made aware of where a key for a manual lock is kept. If a combination lock is used, they should not have the combination either. The height of the pool fence should be a minimum of 6-feet and it should not have any items built-in that can be climbed. The bars on the pool fence should run up and down only.
Safety Alarm
An audible alarm on the pool gate or an invisible barrier that is monitored by a laser should be installed. This is another layer of security that will alert parents if children intrude on the space when they are not permitted to. The alarm should sound both indoors and outdoors. Special wiring for this can be completed.
Take a CPR Class
You should consider taking a CPR or lifeguard class if you plan to have a pool in the backyard. In the event of an emergency, you will know what to do and it could result in you saving a life. Every second counts when there is a water emergency, regardless if it is an injury or potential drowning.
Your adrenaline may be pumping when an emergency occurs but you must stay as calm as possible in order to properly treat the person in distress. Clear judgment has to be used in order to administer the right kind of emergency care for the person in trouble while alerting 911 to arrive at the home.
Safety Equipment
Safety equipment is important to have on-hand in an accessible area. This means that lifesaving rings should be along the exterior fencing area of the pool at both the shallow and deep ends. Children with poor swimming skills should have a life vest or floatation device available.
Other safety equipment includes a lasso on a pole to grab someone quickly should a cramp, breathing emergency or injury occur.
Other safety equipment includes:
· A buoy on a rope
· Waterproof nylon rope
· Proper lighting
· An emergency pump shut off button
· A first aid kit
Within the safety equipment list should be a barrier during pool construction or pool renovation processes. This will prevent children and pets from becoming injured during this process.
Lighting
Proper lighting is important in a pool area, especially where night swimming will take place. Motion sensor lighting should be in place when the pool area will be unattended during overnight hours. This will help to deter intruders and those that should not be in the pool when no one is available to monitor the activity.
Pathway lighting and interior pool lights should also be in place. This will help swimmers to see where the barriers are after dark to prevent injuries. Pathway lighting can be solar lighting that will not use any additional electricity. It is an eco-friendly and budget friendly way to maintain safety in the outdoor space after dark.
Safety Rules Posting
It is a good idea to post rules for the pool. These rules should be easy to understand and in simple terms for swimmers of all ages. You should go over the rules with visitors and ensure that the children know what the rules are even without having to read them. Those that do not follow the rules should have consequences to endure, such as a time-out or exiting the pool for the day.
Maintaining these safety tips will help you and your family to have a fun, safe experience while enjoying a pool in the comfort of your own backyard. Keep in mind that as children grow, the locking mechanism on pool fences may need to be changed. Rules will need to be adjusted and new CPR, lifesaving or first aid courses will also need to be taken.