Pools are wonderful to have during warmer weather. If you have one, you probably have rules for pool safety.
Perhaps you’re considering purchasing one and haven’t thought about which rules for pool safety you might need to use and enforce.
Above ground pools can be seen all over because they offer summer fun without having to tear up your yard.
If your family has considered buying a pool, determine ahead of time what rules for pool use you’ll have and then enforce them.
Knowing the rules for using your pool will make the summer fun and safe.
Here are some rules to consider for your own pool:
- Post the rules for your pool clearly so they can be seen by anyone wanting to use it. If you have small children, you’ll want to teach them the rules in a way they’ll be able to understand.
- Children under the age of ten and anyone who has not had swimming lessons are allowed to swim only with an adult or other responsible person.
- It might be a good idea to have everyone in your family take swimming lessons or a swimming test given by a qualified lifeguard. The class and test will give you, as a pool owner, additional peace of mind knowing your family all can swim.
- Even if your family does take the classes or test, don’t let your guard down. Nothing is more important than visual supervision when it comes to pools. Accidents near water happen every year, often with life-changing consequences.
- Provide swimming aides for your younger children who may not be comfortable swimming without them. Don’t expect inflatable animals to keep your children afloat; buy them life jackets or swimmers with life jackets in them.
- Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol is restricted from pool use. This would also mean you don’t want to have a pool party and serve alcoholic beverages. Swimming and alcohol just don’t mix.
- Dunking or throwing people in the pool is not allowed. Neither is running around the deck of a pool. If you have an above ground pool, diving should not be allowed due to the increased chance of injury.
- Pool ladders are not toys. They are a tool to aid in getting in and out of the water. You’ll want to keep people from lingering or playing on them so it can be used for its intended purpose.
- If you have an in-ground pool, putting a fence with a locked gate around the pool will offer an indispensable layer of protection. You may also want to put an alarm on the access door so you’ll be aware if someone tries entering while it’s locked. Above ground pools offer more difficulty in keeping people safe. The most you can do is remove the ladder and keep the pool covered when it is not in use.
- Adults and older children will want to be trained in CPR should the unthinkable happen. Remember, if you have received CPR training, you’ll want to renew your certification and refresh your knowledge periodically if it hasn’t been used in some time.
- Should you use a babysitter, ensure they have passed a swimming test and are trained in CPR if they ask to use your pool. You may also want to have a cordless phone that can be taken poolside to make running into the house to answer the phone a non-issue.
