Summer is at its peak and the start of summer vacation means plenty of time in the pool. While swimming is one of the best exercises to keep your children healthy, busy and active on hot days, safety is a top concern for majority of pool owners, especially parents.
Very often, aquatic emergencies involving children take place when adult supervision is not provided. Leaving children unattended near the pool even for a single second can cause them to drown. Such drownings mainly involve young children and toddlers who get access to a pool without safety precautions.
Following are some pool safety tips that families should follow to keep accidents from less likely to occur.
Pool Fence-
Surround your pool with a 3-5 feet high fence or a barrier with a self-closing gate. Pools without safety covers and self-latching gates can be very dangerous for children especially those who are below 5 years of age.
Teach to swim-
Look for programs with certified trained instructors for swimming lessons. Improper swimming is a major cause of child drowning in the backyard pools. Toddlers can also be taught how to float in water in case of a sudden fall.
Pool Rules-
Establish and ensure rules for safe behavior such as, no toys in the pool, swim away from pool drains or suction holes, swim with a buddy and do not dive etc.
Keep away electrical appliances-
Tablets, mini laptops and radios should be kept away from the swimming area to avoid electric shock circulating in the water.
Pool maintenance-
Check the pool and equipment used for swimming frequently for hygiene and maintenance purposes. Look for sharp edges in the pool and replace broken railings and non-slip materials on the pool deck.
Temperature Control-
Body temperature drops more quickly in water as compared to land. In severe cases it can lead to hypothermia. Ideally the temperature of water should be 82°-86°F (28°-30°C) for children. If your child suddenly starts shivering or complains of muscle cramps, take him out of the water immediately and seek medical help.
If your child suffers from any breathing issues, asthma or allergies make sure to schedule a visit with your pediatrician or health care provider and consult before exposing the child to water.
