Sunny days and hot weather have everyone crowding around the pool to keep cool as summer draws near. Unfortunately, there are a number of potential risks that come with a cool dip in the hot sun. Sunscreen protects you from harmful UV rays, cold drinks keep you from becoming dehydrated; but there are a number of things you should do to prevent drowning and other unexpected poolside injuries.
Pool safety is especially important for children, who are often oblivious to potential dangers when having fun in the sun.
- Always ensure there is adult supervision or a lifeguard on duty.
No one should ever swim alone – even adults! Make sure there is a lifeguard or a competent adult keeping an eye on everyone in and around the pool. A good rule to follow is the 10/20 rule. An adult or lifeguard should scan the pool area every 10 seconds, and be able to reach the water in 20 seconds or less. - Flotation devices should be easily available at any moment.
Life preservers and flotation devices should be easily accessible if an adult or child has trouble swimming. Many lifeguards carry at least one on their person and public pools often have these stored in an unlocked storage unit or closet. - Keep grates and drain covers securely and properly attached.
Suction from drains and pipes can be strong enough to catch hair, clothing, or body parts and drag a person underwater. Alert everyone around the pool to the location of these areas and advise them to stay away. - Remove all toys and floats from the pool after use.
After everyone is done playing in the water, remove all toys, noodles, and floats from the pool as they could attract unattended children into the water. - Always have an emergency first aid kit and someone trained in CPR.
A first aid kit for the pool is a necessity; it should include disposable gloves, band-aids, bandages, and gauze, tape, face masks, antibacterial soap, matches, a sterile needle, scissors, tweezers, splints, plastic bags, and an instant ice pack. Most importantly, the kit should contain a small notebook and pencil to record any serious injuries. Additionally, there should always be someone trained in CPR around the pool – usually a lifeguard – just in case.
Owners of private and residential pools should take the necessary precautions to keep wandering children and unwanted guests away from the pool. Installing a fence with a locking mechanism and removing tree limbs, chairs, and ladders from around the fence can help prevent unexpected visitors from injuring themselves in the pool. Pool covers should be installed after the summer season to keep people and pets out of the cold water when no one is around.
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured as a result of negligence or a lack of proper pool safety, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced legal team at George Sink Injury Lawyers to see how we can help you.