Practicing Sound Home Pool Safety Habits is Simply Non-Negotiable
When swimmers use public (municipal) pools or semi-private pools (clubs/resorts), their personal safety is often enhanced by the presence of certified lifeguards who are hired by such facilities. Ordinarily, there are also signs posted with respect to safety protocols and limitations, as well as lists of approved and inappropriate behaviours on the part of the users, both when in and out of the water.
Unfortunately, these same degrees of safeguards and precautions are not steadfastly in place for private backyard swimming pools. Maybe this has something to do with a false sense of security from being on one’s own property, or perhaps it is because the use of the pool is usually confined to individuals who are known to the home owner. Whatever the reason, home pool safety does not always get the level of attention it requires and deserves – and the consequences can be devastating, especially when infants and young children are involved.
For private backyard pools and all those who use them, ardent vigilance and supervision by a responsible adult or adults is simply non-negotiable. Not just an in-the-vicinity type of supervision but active, attentive, and uninterrupted observation of the pool and of its occupants at all times. Here are some supervisory do’s and don’ts for backyard pools:
Some Do’s of Pool Supervision
- Insist on the buddy system – minimum of two people in the pool at all times
- Have weaker swimmers wear lifejackets, no matter how it appears to others
- Be in the water and able to touch an infant/very young swimmer at all times
- Obtain CPR certification, and insist that any/all other supervisors do the same
- Store pool equipment when not in use; keep chemicals secure/out-of-reach
- Encourage safe practices such as run-don’t-walk and always jump in feet-first
- Know where the rescue equipment is kept – and learn how and when to use it
- Prevent access to above-ground pools when not in use – remove steps/ladders
- Remind all users of general safety precautions and all specific home-pool rules
Some Don’ts of Pool Supervision
- Leave swimmers unattended at any time
- Get absorbed in a phone call or in a book
- Do chores/yard work, even if by the pool
- Clutter the pool deck with chairs, toys, etc.
- Use glassware/breakables in/near the pool
- Consume alcohol/take drugs of any kind
- Allow others to access pool if not at home
While manifesting and/or enforcing proper home pool safety practices might seem like a detriment to spontaneity and good old-fashioned fun, there can truly be no excuse for ignoring or intentionally disregarding the fundamental importance of maintaining a safe swimming environment for all concerned.
Several Types of Pool Equipment Are Available to Enhance Home Pool Safety
In addition to consistently applying proper methods of backyard pool supervision, there are several types of pool equipment and related features that can extend home pool safety and security to times when the pool is not in use or when the family is out/away.
Pool equipment options and/or safety feature installations can include the following:
- Motion detectors
- Power safety covers
- Locking hot tub covers
- Underwater pool alarms
- Home door and window alarms
- Non-scalable fences (built to municipal standards)
- Fence gates that are self-closing and self-latching
All such pool equipment/features are available from a professional pool installation and maintenance provider such as Jones Pools. The installation experts from Jones Pools understand that home pool safety is of paramount importance to the pool owner and all pool users, and will therefore ensure that all equipment/features will be constructed or connected with the utmost care and attention.
If you would like to enhance the safety features of your home pool, call the specialists at Jones Pools today at 905-642-9522 or 905-862-0414 to arrange your no-obligation consultation as soon as possible.
