Phoenix, Arizona swimming pool service technicians know that in Arizona, a swimming pool is a necessary accessory. Swimming is a great way to get in shape, stay in shape and spend time with friends and family. In some cases, though, without proper precautions a swimming pool can be a dangerous place for children and pets. The alarming statistic is that about 300 children under the age of five drown annually and more than 2,000 children suffer submersion injuries.
There are some specific factors that point to drowning risks and there are ways to address them. Your swimming pool service providers at Express Pools offer this advice:
- Supervision and locking gates need to be in place and used at all times. It’s typically lack of supervision and an unlocked swimming pool deck area that lead to accidents. Children should always be closely supervised when in and around the swimming pool. The “no running” rule needs to be enforced. When the swimming pool is not in use, the cover needs to be replaced and the gate needs to be locked.
- Using life jackets should be mandatory for children who can’t swim and even for those who can. Anyone who is not fully comfortable in the water can benefit from the use of a life jacket. Never rely on water wings or other floaties to keep your children safe.
- Alcohol use can contribute to accidents and drowning when it comes to water recreation. Just as alcohol impairs judgment and slows reflexes when you’re driving, it does the same when you’re swimming. The effects of alcohol are enhanced by exposure to heat and sun which makes it an even more dangerous combination. Avoid alcohol while swimming and also while supervising the children.
Here are some tips from Phoenix, Arizona swimming pool cleaning professionals to keep everyone safe around the swimming pool:
- Learn how to swim and teach everyone else how to swim. Formal swimming lessons are necessary for swimming pool safety and can reduce the risk of drowning by close to 90%
- Regardless of the number of adults around the swimming pool make sure one or two are specifically designated to watch the children. Don’t leave supervision to chance. Children in the swimming pool should be within touching distance of the designated adult at all times. Don’t get distracted from this most crucial task.
- Never swim alone. Whether you’re an adult or a child, swimming should always be done in pairs
- Someone in the family should learn CPR and there should always be life saving materials in the swimming pool area.
- Make certain that slides or diving boards are never used if the swimming pool is overly full and make sure that no one goes down the slide or off the diving board if the area isn’t clear
Common sense and constant supervision will both go a long way in making certain that your summer around the swimming pool will be fun filled.
